Artists for Humanity recently submitted detailed plans for its proposed expansion at 100 W. 2 St. in South Boston.
The plans call to use land purchased from Gillette to add some 57,000 square feet of space to the organization's existing 24,000-square foot "EpiCenter" - where teens are matched with design and art jobs at local companies.
Artists for Humanity says the new space would let it double the number of teens it now places in local jobs - currently 250 - add a new "makers studio" and add a cafe and store selling "youth-created art, furniture, and apparel."
Within an expanded facility, Artists For Humanity will be able to increase the annual number of jobs offered to high school youth to work in their creative studios. AFH will also introduce vocational training for out-of-school youth, supported by onsite partners, the construction industry and government job training initiatives. AFH projects that by 2019, they will employ more than 500 youth annually and invest $1.8 million in youth wages and commissions. This increase in youth wages will be offset by a concomitant increase in earned income, as their larger youth workforce meets the growing demand for AFH's creative products and services.