Missouri Girls Town is proud to celebrate the completion of a transformative $750,000 renovation project at the Wirts Center, made possible through federal appropriations championed by Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer. Funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and has significantly enhanced the campus dining and activity center that serves youth, staff, and community partners.

The Wirts Center, completed in 1996 as the sixth building on the McClain Campus, was named in memory of Robert Wirts of Lamar, Missouri, through the generosity of his wife, Margaret Wirts –a dedicated member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs for more than 50 years. For decades, the facility has served as a central gathering place where youth enjoy meals and participate in activities alongside GFWC women’s clubs and other community supporters.

Renovations began in November 2025 and were completed in March 2026. The project modernized and expanded several key areas of the building, creating a more efficient, welcoming and functional environment for residents and visitors alike.

Improvements included:

  • Installation of new flooring throughout the facility
  • Addition of a new walk-in freezer to improve food storage capacity
  • Renovation and modernization of restrooms
  • Expansion and reorganization of pantry space
  • Updated office areas for staff
  • Kitchen expansion designed to improve meal preparation and service
  • Creation of a serving area capable of keeping food warm and ready for residents
  • Installation of a new salad bar to promote healthy meal options

Addition of sound clouds to improve acoustics and enhance the dining experience.

The renovated Wirts Center continues to serve lunch and dinner seven days a week while providing space for youth programming, pizza parties, bingo events, holiday celebrations and community activities. These upgrades ensure that the facility can better meet the needs of Missouri Girls Town residents for years to come.

Missouri Girls Town extends its sincere appreciation to Congressman Luetkemeyer for his support of this important project and to HUD for providing the funding that made these improvements.