SBEV announces rehabilitation project for north Flint building

FLINT, Mich. — The Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village (SBEV) is planning an extensive rehabilitation of its North Flint facility. Programming has temporarily relocated to the Insight Institute of Neurosurgery & Neuroscience (IINN).

SBEV moved to the Insight Institute at the start of the year to launch its winter programming.

“Right now, a lot of the building is the original from 100 years ago,” SBEV Executive Director Maryum Rasool said.

According to Rasool, SBEV has estimated that the renovations will cost $10 million; however, funding has not been secured.

“We’re writing proposals and working with local funders and foundations, as well as national foundations, to raise the money…since we are not in the building, we’ll be able to [go] project by project,” Rasool said. “We don’t have to wait until we have the full budget to renovate. We could start working on little things now that we have the funds for.”

According to Rasool, students and families will have access to mental health, wellness and physical therapy services during this time.

“The nice part is…all of our existing services will still be offered, but we will be able to expand. We are partnering with Insight to utilize Insight Health & Fitness…We’ll be able to expand our services in athletics,” Rasool said.

The building originally housed the former George M. Dewey Elementary School. In 1995, the 100-year-old facility underwent extensive renovations funded by a $4 million grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Since then, it has experienced a tumultuous cycle of closings and reopenings.

Rasool noted that the flat roof has been a constant challenge, requiring multiple rehabilitations and upgrades over the past eight years. Additionally, nearly 50% of the 62,000-square-foot facility remains unused due to necessary improvements, including window replacements, lighting upgrades, air conditioning and a modernized HVAC system.

“We’re looking to update it, just make it a little more environmentally friendly,” Rasool said. She also added that they are looking to open up spaces that are not currently functional. 

Rasool named aesthetic upgrades to the gym and cafeteria as other projects they are looking to complete.

“Sometimes people confuse transition with downsizing or closing, but I just want to reassure [everyone] that’s not the case,” Rasool said. “A million percent we are right sizing. It’s quite the opposite. We are not downsizing, but we’re going to right size the building and make it more functional and physically healthier and better for our families, children and community we serve. So more to come, hopefully great things are in our future, and we are still the same as SBEV, just in a different location temporarily.”

SBEV has arranged busing from local schools to its temporary location, which is 6 miles from the original site on Saginaw Street.

A major fundraiser to support the project will be announced soon, with updates shared via SBEV’s website and social media.