Expanding Facility at O'Brien House : Saving lives and families from drug and alcohol addiction

The O’Brien House will begin construction on a 16,000 square foot addition to the current facility in December 2005 which will include a new kitchen and dining area, renovated administrative offices and an overall upgrade to the existing structures.

Over the past several years, The O’Brien House has been faced with numerous structural problems requiring many costly repairs. The temporary fixes, while necessary in the short term, have been unable to provide permanent solutions for the halfway house. Three years ago, discussions began about the possibility of expanding the facility to include more space for clients and administrators.

            Kevin Reilly, Sr., an The O’Brien House board member, contacted several building consultants who reviewed the situation and provided estimates for the overall project. Reilly said, “We were being nickeled and dimed to death with the old building.”

           Domain Design Architecture developed a comprehensive, five phase facility plan after meeting with Katherine Martin, executive director of The O’Brien House. According to architects, Joey Wild and Michael Burturla, the goal was to create a campus identity that was representative of The O’Brien House’s already outstanding community reputation.

           The project is estimated to cost $1.8 million, and a diverse group of funders has stepped forward to make the renovation possible. The Baton Rouge Office of Community Development has provided $898,000 for the project, $481,000 as a no interest loan to be paid over 20 years and $417,000 as a grant. In addition, this office is expected to provide $400,000 of federal funding money.

           After a $100,000 gift from the Reilly Family Foundation, The O’Brien House has been left with a fundraising goal of $500,000. Activities, including a breakfast in May and the recent 12 Bands for 12 Steps concert, have all contributed to the building project.

           Ms. Martin is looking forward to the new facility, “We will be able to serve more clients and the clients will have a healthy, aesthetic environment in which to recover.”