A Place for Everyone: Dover’s New Caryl Community Center

Group photo of the FM team with the building committee outside the entrance of the Caryl Community Center on a bright summer day. Exterior photo of Caryl Community Center showing the new pavilion and historic school sections. The exterior is brick and set back on a green lawn surrounded by trees. Photo of a large room with an expansive two-story wood ceiling. Multiple lights hang down over tables and chairs. People are gathered and talking in standing groups and at tables for the opening celebration.

Dover has a brand-new place to gather, grow, and connect! The Caryl Community Center officially opened its doors in September with a ribbon-cutting celebration of community. FM is honored to have designed the renovation/addition that brings together programs for residents of all ages, the Dover Council on Aging (COA), and Dover Parks and Recreation.

The project included renovating the original 1910 Caryl Elementary School building to accommodate the COA and flexible activity spaces. A new pavilion was constructed to the east, featuring a kitchen, café, and community room. A small recreation court measuring 3,600 SF was added to the south. A central gathering area was created through the lobby/welcome area, connecting these various functions together.

Caryl Community Center Building Committee, FM team, and friends (top)
Renovated historic school and new community pavilion (middle)
New Community Room (bottom)