HUB Remodel
T‑Mobile’s Hometown Grants Program
Winchendon, Mass.: Complete the final phase of The Hub — a former bowling alley turned youth-run café, social service agency and community center — adding an ADA-accessible indoor/outdoor classroom with community murals to amplify youth voices, expand access, and foster wellbeing, economic development and civic pride.
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“This grant creates an opportunity for continued revitalization of the Winchendon CAC and the HUB. This national recognition highlights Winchendon is worth investing in. We are making spaces that inspire!” “I can’t wait to visit this future outdoor classroom and recreational space - what an asset to our town, families and youth!” Dr Erika Eitland, Winchendon Selectwoman
Before Images
Design Images
Designs were created by Perkins and Will architectural and design firm as part of their social purpose initiative. The CAC was selected as their social purpose project and received designs for the interior and exterior spaces, along with murals, branding, and logo design for the hub, all free of charge.
Winchendon Receives T-Mobile Hometown Grant to Complete Final Phase of The Hub, a Youth-Led Community Center Powered by the Winchendon CAC
Winchendon, MA — The Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant—one of only 25 communities selected nationwide in this round and the only recipient in Massachusetts.
This competitive grant will fund the final remodel phase of The Hub, Winchendon’s vibrant community center operated by the CAC. Housed in a repurposed former bowling alley, The Hub is home to the local food pantry, a youth workforce development program, the Sunshine Café, the Local Makers Hub, a social service center, and, of course, open bowling. The Hub serves as a central gathering place for all ages and a powerful symbol of community-led revitalization.
The awarded funding will support:
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A new ADA-accessible indoor/outdoor classroom, expanding access to educational workshops, community events, and youth programming year-round.
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A youth-designed public mural initiative, celebrating Winchendon’s identity and creative spirit through bold, inclusive artwork.
Community members are invited to celebrate this exciting milestone at a check presentation ceremony during Winchendon’s Annual Food Truck Festival on Saturday, June 28 at 12:30 PM at G.A.R.R. Park (52 Murdock Ave). The event will include remarks from town leaders, youth representatives, and project partners, along with a preview of the project vision.
“We’re honored that Winchendon has been selected as a T-Mobile Hometown Grant recipient,” said Andrew Beauvais, Chair of the Winchendon Board of Selectmen. “This investment in The Hub strengthens our commitment to youth empowerment, economic development, and community wellness. The new ADA-accessible classroom and community murals will expand access and celebrate the creative spirit of our town. It’s a proud day for Toy Town and a meaningful step toward a brighter future for all who call it home.”
Town Manager Bill McKinney added: “The Town of Winchendon is honored and excited that one of our local non-profits has received a T-Mobile grant. This project will provide a flexible, accessible venue for educational workshops, social services, and community events—and contribute to creative placemaking that sets the tone for future public art and infrastructure projects.”
“T-Mobile’s grant is helping us make The Hub a place that truly brings people together,” said Nikolaus Brauer-Chagnon, Youth Changemaker Director and high school student. “We’ll have more space to host events, connect with the community, and celebrate our town. The mural will help us show off our pride in Winchendon. Thank you, T-Mobile, for helping us make the world a better place—one step at a time.”
Since its launch in 2021, the T-Mobile Hometown Grants program has committed $25 million over five years to support small-town revitalization projects across the country. The program is administered in partnership with Main Street America and Smart Growth America, and it prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong local leadership and long-term community impact.
For more information about the T-Mobile Hometown Grants program, visit: www.t-mobile.com/hometowngrant