HUBBARD — School leaders and community members gathered Saturday to launch Phase One of a renovation project to convert the old Roosevelt gymnasium into a Student Wellness Center. Construction begins Monday.

The idea was spawned by James Chaney, a 1992 Hubbard High School graduate, who was hired in 2020 to become the strength and conditioning coach for the Eagles’ wrestling program. The high school did not have adequate space to accommodate a vibrant wrestling team of 35 student-athletes. Thus, the wrestling program was basically housed in the Roosevelt gymnasium, part of the old high school that was built in 1920.

That high school, which changed to a middle school and then an elementary school, was torn down 12 years ago — all except for the gymnasium of nearly 12,000-square feet. The idea to keep the gymnasium standing was Richard Buchenic’s, then superintendent of Hubbard Schools, when the new school campus was being built a half mile away.

“Roosevelt Gym is part of the history of our community and actually of our country — being a public works project,” Buchenic said. “Though it was sad to see the old school go, the gym was something I felt we could manage to save. You always need extra gym space, and I felt it would be fully utilized by the school and community. I’m really glad to see the initiative to renovate Roosevelt Gym for greater accessibility and use in the long term.

Buchenic’s foresight became Chaney’s dream.

“I envisioned an entire wellness center in this building,” said the 49-year-old Chaney. “The first thing we did was bring in some local architects who assured us that renovating this building was indeed feasible and viable.”

As president of the Hubbard Youth Coalition, formed during the 2020 pandemic year, Chaney developed a five-phase renovation project. Of course, nothing could be done without funding, so the HYC rolled up its sleeves and went to work.

“So far we’ve raised “140,000 in cash and another $70,000 in labor donations and gifts-in-kind,” Chaney said. “All of our fundraising has been done privately so far.”

With enough money in hand to completely cover Phase One ($100,000), the HYC is set to begin installing second floor batting cages and turfed areas for practicing — one on each side above the gymnasium seating. Afterward, Phase Two will create the weight room and cardio fitness area on the first floor with a budget of another $100,000, with half of those funds already raised.

Phases Three and Four will encompass the second floor multipurpose / meeting room and ground floor lobby renovations with changing rooms for an estimated cost of $110,000. Phase Five will create the outdoor playground area with basketball courts, with costs to be determined.

According to Hubbard Board of Education member Anna Martin, “We’re incredibly grateful for our community’s generous outpouring of support for this impactful partnership. We believe that working together benefits both our students and the community, and we’re more than excited to see this facility come to life.”

Hubbard Superintendent Raymond Soloman weighed in his enthusiasm for the project. “The HYC has demonstrated unwavering dedication to securing funds for the Wellness Center,” Soloman said. “This Center will not only cater to our students, but also will serve as a vital space for the entire Hubbard community. Repurposing a school building built in the 1920s is no small feat, but I am fully aware of the significance of this project and the lasting impact it will have on future generations.”

Soloman and Hubbard schools are in lock step with the plan, leasing the building for $1 per year to the HYC, which includes necessary maintenance.

Also in process is the formation of a management group called Roosevelt Community Partnership that will be in charge of scheduling and managing the rejuvenated building. The management group has prioritized usage with high school programs in season first, then middle school programs in season, then elementary programs and finally youth programs.

Julianne Carsone, retired coach and guidance counselor at the high school, is a member of the Community Partnership that is excited to be a part of the Wellness Center’s future.

“I am looking forward to seeing our youth and Hubbard community members of all ages utilize this facility,” she said. “Roosevelt holds a great deal of memories for so many who attended Hubbard Schools — from when the building was first built to the 1953 Hubbard High School Junior / Senior Prom to the gym classes, basketball games, square dancing, wrestling and so many other wonderful memories.”

The key to planning the rejuvenated center, according to Chaney, was making it as versatile as possible to accommodate as many sports and activities as possible. Amy Taylor, director of the Hubbard Community Youth Softball League, she said is excited to talk about what the facility can do for her sport.

“I am excited as a parent of one current and one future high school softball player,” Taylor said. “Our kids used to arrange practices at an indoor facility in Struthers and split the costs. Roosevelt will provide an indoor practice space for our youth teams right here in town. They will have the opportunity to use the facility during the winter months to practice hitting and pitching. HYC is improving a space for the youth in our community.”

Chaney’s day job has come in handy. He and his wife, Kim, own HCH Construction, which primarily provides modification services for those who become disabled and need their homes remodeled. This construction expertise, in addition to Chaney’s homegrown love of Hubbard sports and passion to serve the physical education needs of young people, have blended to create not only a dream, but a dream come true.