The Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore announced Monday a recent arson fire caused nearly $7 Million in damages to it’s new Clubhouse.
Authorities from the Muskegon Department of Public Safety, Michigan State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are still questioning why someone would intentionally start a fire at the Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore’s Clubhouse that was slated to open next month, as well as who is did it.
The club says assessed arson damages totals $5-$7 million. The 90,000-square-foot renovated building which once housed the former YMCA in downtown Muskegon is damaged with smoke and soot.
Monica Turnbull is the BGCM CEO. She says she and her staff were devastated when they received news of the arson.
“It just breaks my heart that someone would do this. And right when we were going to open up our facility next month.”
It could take an estimated 6-12 months for fire repairs and finishing construction of the Clubhouse project.
Turnbull estimates reopening in February. While insurance is covering damages, the club is requesting public donations supporting the organizations operating costs until then.
Meanwhile, authorities are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and/or prosecution of the person or persons involved in the fire.
