Local community center set for major renovations, but what do members do?

BOSTON — Built in 1931 by James Michael Curley, the L Street bathhouse has had major renovations in the 70s and 80s. Soon it will undergo its third round of major renovations – and its most expensive at $15 million.

Once plans are given the okay, the renovations should take 12-18 months. Most are happy with the idea to renovate L Street bathhouse, but frequent users have some concerns about access during construction.

The bathhouse, now known as the Curley Community Center, has been at the same spot for 90 years and is expected to get a major facelift.

Despite the age of the building, the people who come love it.

"I swim, I run, I take all the classes," said Mary Hogan of South Boston. "There isn't a better place than here."

And that includes Congressman Stephen Lynch, who works out there whenever he's home

"I walk down from my house," Congressman Lynch said. "It's part of my life and it's been that way for a long time."

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Fifteen million dollars is being allocated by the city to bring the Curley Rec Center into the 21st century. But while the construction is in progress, retired members are worried about where they could go.

Bob Cappucci goes to the center every day.

"We don't know where we are going to go," he said. "We don't like that aspect of it."

Workers are telling people that classes will be moved to nearby facilities, including a place for seniors to have lunch.

The reason for the closure during construction comes down to cost, with one official saying that costs could likely double if the center stayed open during construction.

In the end, the outside of the South Boston landmark will look the same, but the inside will contain a modern state of the art recreational facility.

Cox Media Group