{"id":223833,"date":"2026-05-07T21:20:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T21:20:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/223833\/"},"modified":"2026-05-07T21:20:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T21:20:11","slug":"kips-bay-boys-and-girls-teen-center-gets-full-makeover-on-nbc-home-renovation-show-bronx-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/223833\/","title":{"rendered":"Kips Bay boys and girls teen center gets full makeover on NBC home renovation show \u2013 Bronx Times"},"content":{"rendered":"

The teen center at Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in Morris Heights recently got a major glow-up after being featured on the NBC home renovation show, \u201cGeorge to the Rescue<\/a>.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The teen center at the Frederic R. & Margaret Coudert Clubhouse<\/a> serves 125 young people ages 13 to 18 each day, with programming to support their social, academic and creative growth. But the bland-looking teen center, with mostly office-style furnishings, was lacking a spark.<\/p>\n

In the episode that aired May 2 and is now streaming online<\/a>, Oliphant said the center was \u201ca little stuck in the past \u2014 but it\u2019s got potential.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Under his guidance, it received not just a new coat of paint but an extensive renovation from floor to ceiling.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Oliphant collaborated with high-end furniture company Perigold, SilverLining General Contracting, New York City-based interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins<\/a>, who sits on the Kips Bay Board of Trustees, and numerous other partners who donated labor and materials to the extensive renovation.<\/p>\n

\"\"The teen center before the renovation, which aired on NBC on May 2. Photo courtesy Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club
\n\"\"The renovation included rich colors, high-end furnishings, built-in tech chargers, commissioned artwork and other special touches.Photos courtesy Perigold<\/p>\n

In designing the space, Jenkins said he chose a \u201croots and raindrops\u201d theme that served as a metaphor for students\u2019 deeply rooted identities and potential.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe interior design\u2019s visual language is a quiet reminder that we must plant these remarkable young people in joyful community environments, and water them with rich opportunities that support their growth towards excellence,\u201c said Jenkins in a statement sent to the Bronx Times.<\/p>\n

The show took the audience through the process as he and clubhouse Program Director Brittany Icaza selected deep, rich colors and textures and durable materials that could withstand lots of wear and tear.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jenkins also commissioned original artwork representing students\u2019 potential future careers and created custom furniture with built-in chargers and a dramatic chandelier.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is finally gonna feel like this is theirs,\u201d Icaza said on the show.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

\u2018Relaxation and peace\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n

Club leaders said during the show that many youth members have trouble at home, come from families in poverty and rely on the club as a safe place to go after school.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Now, after the makeover, the teen center now reflects the positivity that existed behind its doors.\n<\/p>\n

Kids and staff alike screamed and gasped during the big reveal, which showed their center transformed with special details that would belong in any trendy coffeeshop or cocktail bar.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is beautiful! I would\u2019ve never thought we\u2019d have a space like this,\u201d one student said in the episode.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Through thoughtful choices, the space went from an uninspiring and office-like to promoting \u201crelaxation and peace,\u201d as another student put it.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

\u201cDesign is at its best when it tells a story and serves a purpose,\u201d said Nancy Soriano, head of editorial and partnerships at Perigold, in a statement sent to the Bronx Times. \u201cThrough this collaboration, we\u2019re honored to help create an environment that nurtures imagination, connection, and a true sense of belonging.\u201d<\/p>\n

As an additional surprise on the big day, singer Ciara and NFL star Russell Wilson donated $1 million to the club through their Why Not You Foundation<\/a> \u2014 and showed up in person to present the check.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Ciara and Russell Wilson presented $1 million to the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club through their Why Not You Foundation. Photo by Lex Acosta for Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club<\/p>\n

On \u2018George to the Rescue,\u201d Oliphant always works with people going through hard times. For instance, he has created a fully accessible home<\/a> for a dad who became paralyzed in a ski accident and planned a comfortable and calming space for a single mom<\/a> battling both cancer and multiple sclerosis.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But in working with the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, Oliphant took on the mission to uplift the hundreds of kids who pass through its doors for years to come.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone who comes here \u2014 why can\u2019t they be the next great leader?\u201d he said on the show.\u00a0 \u201cIt all starts here, and it\u2019s about building them up and giving them a place where they feel safe and supported.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Reach Emily Swanson at\u00a0eswanson@schnepsmedia.com<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0(646) 717-0015<\/a>. For more coverage, subscribe to our\u00a0newsletter<\/a>\u00a0and follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>!<\/p>\n