Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada: When will it be done?

The update: Children should be playing inside a new Boys & Girls Club by March, the construction manager said. And if the building isn't ready, Carson City children will not be without after-school activities.

Jonathan Young, construction manager for contractor Metcalf Builders, said workers are 65 percent to 75 percent complete with the building on 14 acres at Northridge Drive and Russell Way in east Carson City.

"The goal is to have it ready as soon as it's needed," he said this week.

The funding: The money to complete of this building is contingent on a land sale deal, which has stalled, said Buzz Fitzpatrick, vice president of the club's board of directors.

The organization has raised $2.8 million in more than five years, but it needs $8 million to complete the first phase, which includes the 12,500-square-foot building, a 12,500-square-foot gym and a grass field.

Fitzpatrick said the organization decided to sell some of its land because of rising construction costs and difficulties it's had in raising money. The organization has received one $250,000 federal grant, but all other private donations have been smaller.

Canddle Development, of Reno, recently offered to buy four acres southeast of the future Boys & Girls Club for $1.7 million for its own development.

"We've talked to the buyer and they are still looking for a partner to team up with them on an assisted living home," Fitzpatrick said. "Other than that, (the land sale) is still pretty much on hold."

The $1.7 million would complete the building, landscaping and parking lot. The grass fields are the next priority.

"We're probably going to be entertaining offers from other buyers," Fitzpatrick said.

Will they get out in time? Delays aren't good news for the club. The nonprofit organization has leased space from the state at 673 S. Stewart St. for the last 13 years, but will need to vacate by early next year. The club provides summer activities for about 550 children daily.

Fitzpatrick said the club will ask the state for an extension if necessary.

Cindy Edwards, administrator of the state Division of Buildings and Grounds, said the state plans to demolish all its buildings at that location because it would cost too much to renovate them.

"Eventually new office buildings will be put there, but it depends on funding," she said.

The state will not be kicking out children if the club's new building is not completed by March.

"I'm sure they'd be able to still hold it over," she said.

• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.