The Arc of Palm Beach County unveiled its redesigned, 15,000-square-foot facility in Riviera Beach Wednesday, pledging to continue providing targeted services and enrichment programs to help developmentally disabled people.

"We took everything we could and thought, 'How can we make it more vibrant?'" said Kimberly McCarten, president and chief executive officer of The Arc.

After seven months of work and $150,000, the result is the agency's North Campus Achievement Center on Byron Drive in Riviera Beach.

The sprawling facility had served as the headquarters of Seagull Services, a private nonprofit agency that, for 40 years, provided services to teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Seagull Services and The Arc of Palm Beach County merged this year with the redesign of the North Campus facility in full swing.

On Wednesday, McCarten helped the agency's clients cut a ceremonial ribbon in front of the facility and then provided local organization supporters and elected officials with a tour.

The facility features six studios and classrooms, a work center and indoor and outdoor social areas.

In a statement announcing the opening of the facility, The Arc said each specialized room "adds a layer of support to help adults with disabilities achieve their educational and employment goals."

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Staff members from The Arc did much of the work on the new facility along with volunteers from The Breakers Palm Beach.

The Mary Alice Fortin Foundation and another private foundation that wishes to remain anonymous provided the $150,000 in building costs.

Riviera Beach officials said they were thrilled the redesigned facility will be located in their city.

City Manager Jonathan Evans and Mayor Ronnie Felder joined other local leaders as McCarten discussed the facility and the work of her agency.

Riviera Beach is in the midst of its "Reimagine Riviera Beach" branding and building project, and Felder said the redesigned North Campus facility fits with that effort.

"We're very proud that you chose Riviera Beach to come and make this your home," Felder said. "We're going building by building reimagining Riviera Beach."

Palm Beach County officials were on hand Wednesday as well, touring the facility and asking clients and staff questions.

"Everybody needs an equal opportunity," Commissioner Maria Marino said about the facility, which will continue to work with clients who could join the workforce. "Everybody can be productive. Everybody can feel like they're contributing. It's phenomenal."

Marino's colleague on the commission, Gregg Weiss, agreed.

"This is just awesome," he said. "It's a wonderful place for some really special people. They've got so many choices here. I'm really proud to be a part of a community that recognizes the need to help people with special needs."

Wayne Washington covers West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and race relations. E-mail tips to wwashington@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Agency unveils new facility in Riviera Beach to help the disabled