Fieldhouse+ Topping Off
A topping-off ceremony was held Monday, May 18, 2026, for the Fieldhouse+ project.
This event marks a monumental milestone in a years-long process, as the final structural beam was placed on the building, which is a joint venture between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester and the Martin Richard Foundation.
Bill Richard, father of Martin Richard, spoke at the ceremony, noting that the facility is a "living legacy" for his son. He emphasized that Martin’s gift for "bringing people together and dreaming big" remains the driving force behind the project.
US Congressman Stephen Lynch mentioned: "What has been left unsaid today borders on the spiritual. When you talk about the Richard family and how they turned a painful moment in their lives into this—all of that pain into something that would bless others—to do that is sublime. It’s not expected of human beings, so when it occurs we want to celebrate it."
Mayor Michelle Wu said in her speech: "This isn't just a win for Dorchester; it is a national model for how we build inclusive infrastructure. Boston will be the proof that the nation we fought for is possible—a place where we take care of each other and take on the challenges that matter the most."
Our team was excited to hear these remarks after years of effort in taking an idea and helping form it into a real, impactful project. Many of us live in Dorchester and witnessed the trauma of 2013 as well as the torrent of love and support for the Richard Family and all the victims. We’re honored to play a role - to take that emotion and build a space it can live in for future generations.
The three-story, 75,000 square foot complex is designed to be a fully inclusive space. It will feature:
- An indoor turf field and basketball courts.
- Fitness center with a walking track and exercise studios.
- A theater plus a music rehearsal and recording studio.
- A public cafe, teaching kitchen and a roof garden.
- Resources for numerous partner non-profits to enhance their programming.
A ‘Topping Off’ ceremony celebrates the men and women who work collectively to put buildings together. It also places a tree on the center of the beam - an act passed down from Scandinavian tradition- to respect the earth’s sacrifice for our wellbeing. We thank the Ironworkers Local 7 who’ve brought a high-level of craftsmanship to this project, an important part of this building’s personality
We’re excited to see the progress of this building - bringing together the community for the special occasion. The Fieldhouse+ is on track to open in Spring 2027. Follow RODE for more updates and news.
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