Recently, new bathrooms were installed at The Chase Home, a project with an additional quoted cost of $400,000 that was completed for substantially less.
“The final cost was $230,000 thanks to Ricci Construction, Co., who managed the project and was able to complete it at cost,” said Meme Wheeler, executive director at The Chase Home. “These bathrooms were 50 years old and in desperate need of replacement. The kids who live here are so thankful.”
Founded in 1877, The Chase Home in Portsmouth serves at-risk youth through prevention, early intervention, residential and community-based programs. Some live at The Chase Home while others are served in the community.
“The kids deserve much better than what they had.” – John Ricci
Ricci Construction, Co.’s John Ricci said the kids “deserve much better than what they had.” “I wanted to make sure every dollar spent was spent as judiciously as possible,” said Ricci, who also serves on The Chase Home’s Board of Trustees, which manages a trust that helps fill in budgetary gaps.
“Ted Alex on the Board of Trustees started the whole thing,” he added. “He spearheaded this thing. We thank him for the last five years of getting this project started.”
Ricci also expressed his appreciation for the many businesses involved in the project, some of whom donated their services or products highlighted by CPH Mechanical in Portsmouth (in-kind donation of $2,500 for plumbing).
“The Board of Trustees’ Lisa Destafano got the flooring company, Dur-A-Flex, to donate all the material for the epoxy floor, which was $5,000 in materials,” said Ricci. “Negm Electric in Somersworth also did a great job, and their pricing was very reasonable.”
According to Wheeler, the project was well-executed. “There was minimal disruption in the lives of our youth,” she said. “That is pretty remarkable given the amount of work needed within a more than 100-year-old structure.”