Building Fund
Artist Drawing of the new OBI building to be located at 8855 Veteran's Highway
For long-term growth and to enhance its services, OBI must move to a larger, better equipped facility in a more centralized and accessible location. To further that goal, OBI has recently purchased 14 acres of land in Millersville, Maryland on which we plan to build a new facility that is better suited to our clients' needs. Working in consultation with architects and designers, we estimate that an increase from our current 30,000 square feet of space to a 40,000 - 50,000 square foot facility will enable us to greatly expand our services; allow the warehouse business to handle an increased number of larger contracts; and enhance both our recreational and supplemental educational programs. The new facility will include:
- Warehouse and Distribution Facilities - Additional storage space and loading docks will enable us to function as a distribution center in addition to packing and storing products for customers.
- Flexible Space - A more flexible space will adept better to varied job requirements and offer greater efficiency.
- Environmental Controls - Proper climate control in the warehouse will allow everyone, including those with certain medical conditions, to work in a comfortable environment.
- The Recreation and Leisure Program - A larger arts and crafts room, as well as a new area for games, will enable us to offer a wider variety of activities that will enhance our clients' development and growth.
- Education Areas - A dedicated area for computer classes, as well as a classroom for reading and math programs, will enable us to hold more classes and train a greater number of clients.
- Meeting and Conference Rooms - More meeting rooms of various sizes will accommodate the demands of our growing services. This will enable us to hold gatherings with less disruptions and more consistency, both of which are critical to our sensitive clients.
- Staff Lounge - A staff lounge will give employees a space where they can collaborate with other staff members and catch a much-needed break from their highly demanding jobs.
- Endowment - We also hope to build an endowment that will help maintain our new facility well into the future.
Building Project Funding:
TOTAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING APPROVED: $3,145,000
- $100,000 and $585,000 Legislative Bond Bill
- 1.6 Million from DHMH – APPROVED by Board of Public Works
- $860,000 from ACDS and AA Co.
- $5,000 from M & T.
- France Merrick – We were awarded a $150,000 3:1 challenge grant.
- Chesapeake Civitan’s- $35,000 grant.
Photographs of the Construction Site
Click on the thumbnail image for a larger view.
Press Releases
October 15, 2007 - Ground Breaking Ceremony
Newspaper Articles
Kinsella - "Opportunity Knocks For OBI, Inc. - Nonprofit’s Groundbreaking Proves Dreams Can Come True", article from the Severna Park Voice
OBI Announces $2 Million Capital Campaign - Article from the Severna Park Voice
Making golden opportunities - Article from the Baltimore Sun (November 18, 2007)