The New Malone Community Center

The Clyde Malone Community Center was founded in 1955 through a reorganization of the Lincoln Urban League. The center’s purpose is to serve neighboring families, youth, and the Lincoln community with inclusive social, cultural, educational, employment, and welfare services. Their mission is to end multi-generational poverty and create unity and prosperity in Lincoln through their programs and services.

In 1980, a new home for the Malone Center was built, and for over 44 years, the building was the cornerstone of the non-profit’s important work. By 2021, the existing facility was showing its age. Sinclair Hille Architects was chosen to plan and design a new center. The goal was to provide more space and a modern facility so that the Malone Center could continue to expand their programs and services for the growing community. In 2023, the Malone Center leadership embarked on a $23 million capital campaign to raise funds to demolish the existing building and build a new facility that would better serve the community.

Construction will begin in 2024 for the new 54,000 square foot, three story community center. It will provide a welcoming gathering place for youth with after school homework space, STEM learning classrooms, an open and daylight filled lounge, and a game room. The new gymnasium will serve the athletic programs with locker rooms and space for athletes, coaches, and officials while also providing rental space for the community. Dedicated program office suites that include offices, conference rooms, and support space will allow client services to be delivered in a comfortable and safe environment. Flexibility was a key goal for the building design so that it can change as programs and services change over time. The project will be constructed under a construction manager delivery method.

Sinclair Hille Architects is honored to have had the opportunity to assist the Clyde Malone Community Center with the creation of their new home and help them expand their mission in the Lincoln community.