NORFOLK — Demolition crews in massive construction equipment have begun knocking down the walls of the former Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center hospital complex as a local nonprofit prepares to construct a youth center for after-school and summer programs.
Demolition began Monday, said Chuck McPhillips, chair of the board of directors for Next Step to Success. The Norfolk nonprofit plans to construct a youth center across 9 of the property’s 15 acres. He said demolishing the structures would continue for about a year before construction begins — with the new facility slated to open in January 2027.
“It’s a massive campus and a lot of work entailed in doing that,” McPhillips said.
The nonprofit, which currently provides afterschool programming for about 90 students, purchased the property from Bon Secours for $5.7 million in December, according to city documents. The Norfolk real estate assessor’s office valued the property at roughly $4.1 million in July.
The group plans to build a campus, called the St. Vincent DePaul House, on the site with activity rooms, a gym, soccer field, media center and other features. McPhillips said the group also plans to construct several tennis courts.