Work continues on new youth center in Ashland

May 7—ASHLAND — A dilapidated building that could have been on its eventual way to being razed is becoming a bright spot along Centre Street, thanks to a local youth ministry.

The building was the former A&P Supermarket at 1139 Centre St., and later a NAPA automotive parts store, but it has been vacant for years.

The refurbishment is being done by the new owner, Crossfire Youth Ministries, and the location will become a youth center that will have an indoor playground, a basketball court and a coffee shop. There is also a fenced-in grassy area behind the building that can be an outside play area.

According to its website, Crossfire "provides opportunities to introduce Jesus Christ to hurting youth and their families by providing a safe haven where life-giving friendships are developed, lives are renewed and connections are made to the greater church."

Giving a tour of the building on Thursday was Crossfire Executive Director James L. Horning.

The site is a short distance from the Crossfire youth center in Ashland at 1128 Market St. It is open from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Crossfire also operates the Cocalico Youth Center in Ephrata. The main headquarters is also in Ephrata.

Much of the outside of the building has been completed, with only a sign to be placed in about a week. Inside, electricians were doing their installations in the area that will be the coffee shop. All of the plumbing has been installed.

Horning showed photographs of what was found when he first entered the building. All types of debris filled the large building and had to be removed. The rotted wooden floor was removed, though not before Horning fell through a section and found himself hip-deep in water in what was the basement.

He also showed a photo of the inside playground equipment at a cost of $30,000, which Crossfire is hoping to raise.

"There will be a little cafe in here, and parents can watch their children play while sitting in booths while enjoying a coffee and a doughnut and know their children are in a safe place," Horning said. "It's going to be a very simple building. Behind the playground will be a half basketball court.

There will be a lot of free running space. It's basically going to provide a place for children to hang out and will be an expansion of our ministry in the building next door (at 1128 Market St.)."

Horning added: "I see it will be a conversations place that people can come, have a coffee and sit and chat. Senior citizens can also stop in."

Active in borough

Crossfire is no stranger to the borough. Last summer, the ministry had 35 teens and 15 adults do paint and repair work at Oakland Park and Willow Park, both borough recreation areas, and weeding along Centre Street.

Horning purchased the property in November 2019 for $7,500, and in March 2020, he transferred ownership to Crossfire for $1, according to the Schuylkill County Parcel Locator.

The entire cost of the renovation is between $450,000 and $500,000, which is being paid for with donations.

Companies have also assisted with discounts on supplies.

A leaking roof was replaced with a rubber roof, thanks to Detwiler Roofing near Ephrata, which did the work pro bono.

Dow Chemical donated almost 400 sheets of styrofoam insulation.

"We have in-floor heating, so the pipes are running all through the floor," Horning said. "This will be nice and toasty in the wintertime."

All windows have been replaced with double-pane insulated windows. The floor coverings of the rec area still need to be installed.

When asked how much the large increase in the cost of materials has affected the project, Horning said: "We have the materials on hand. The cost hasn't gone crazy for us. A lot of businesses have been giving huge discounts or donations.

"We're probably nearing $300,000 in donations toward the project."

The plan is to have the building ready for an open house/grand opening around July 1.

For more information about Crossfire, call the Ephrata office at 717-278-3102.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023