The project by the Associate Leadership Council Class of 2000-2001 came in under budget and practically in record time for the 2,000-sf undertaking. Working just weekends, the team has completed this year's Legacy Project, a total makeover, in about 2 1/2 months, says Randy Rogers, manager of business development for Meridian Commercial Inc. in Dallas and the general contractor leader for the teen center project.

The Real Estate Council Foundation provided $17,500 for the work. Rogers tells GlobeSt.com that it was completed for less than $13,000, freeing up the balance for furniture and recreation-related equipment for the East Dallas club members.

Rogers says the project had been on the club's agenda for the fall--until the class opted to take it on as a Legacy Project, undertakings earmarked for non-profit organizations that provide services for the disadvantaged. The teen center is situated in a 30-year-old, 50,000-sf building in an area undergoing a slow, but marked revitalization. The dedicated recreation area was gutted and reconstructed by the 26-member Real Estate Council class, which represents professionals from all commercial real estate spectrums.