The Y is in the final phase of a campaign to raise funds for a healthy living campus in the heart of downtown. The YMCA, celebrating its 125th year of service in Jackson, has raised more than $22 million in pledges and contributions.
“The new two-story YMCA will feature contemporary multipurpose rooms for youth and adult programs, improved accessibility throughout the facility with elevator access to all program areas, and a dedicated youth learning lab space,” said CEO Shawna Tello. “Working in collaboration with partners like Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Y will be able to meet the needs of a broader cross-section of our community as well as the high expectations of members, partners and program participants.”
Bergmann’s design of the new facility, overseen by the YMCA’s volunteer-led Building and Design Committee and Y staff, will allow the YMCA to offer:
- Licensed after-school care
- Science and math-related activities in the new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) lab
- Youth, middle school, teen, and adult programming, along with community rentals in the multi-purpose and intergenerational rooms.
Many program spaces in the new facility will be named in recognition of the major donors that are supporting their development and delivery. Assigned naming rights within the new facility include the Consumers Energy Foundation/Aquatics Center; Dawn Foods Corporate Giving/Gymnasium; Richmond Brothers Inc./Y Main Street; Henry Ford Allegiance Health/Wellness Center; American 1 Credit Union/Lobby & Welcome Area; TRUE Community Credit Union/Teen & Intergenerational Room and County National Bank/Outdoor Play Area.
The Y’s Building and Design team continues to work with Bergmann and Gro Development Inc., a leader in design and development of YMCAs, to develop the branding, fit and finish of the new facility. The Y’s Capital Campaign committee’s efforts to identify philanthropist, funders and local foundations willing to support the YMCA and invest in its potential are ongoing.
Following completion of schematic design, YMCA campaign leadership and members of the Building and Design Committee met with Granger Construction Co., the project’s construction manager. Senior Project Manager Jeff Havranek said COVID-19 and the global pandemic have impacted and continue to affect availability and prices of commercial construction materials, supplies and labor.
“The lead time for structural components, in particular steel joists and metal decking, have extended from what was about 12-16 weeks up to what is now 40-plus weeks,” said Havranek, noting the rise in steel, lumber and drywall prices due to the current shortage in materials. Havranek added requisite materials ranging from structural and roofing materials, drywall and more would not be available in time to begin construction during this calendar year.
In response to the construction industry market conditions, the Y has adjusted its construction timeline. Based on the expected closure of the fundraising gap and resolution of supply chain issues, Granger is expected to begin site work in the first half of 2022, with construction typically running between 12-16 months.
“The YMCA is proud of and grateful for the tremendous progress we’ve enjoyed in the past year. While we made major strides in our planning, fundraising and collaboration efforts, the factors impacting construction and related costs are beyond our control,” said Tello.
“As the recipient of unprecedent generosity, the Y’s volunteers and staff will be patient and good stewards of the dollars already given to us. In the months ahead we’ll look to close the funding gap and continue to work with our design and construction professionals to navigate these challenging times in the building industry.”
For more information, visit www.JacksonYMCA.org.
About the Jackson YMCA
Since 1896 the Jackson YMCA has worked to provide opportunities for individuals of all walks of life. The Y serves menand women of all ages, religions and economic backgrounds through programs focused on youth development, healthyliving, and social responsibility. A volunteer board of directors provides leadership to the Association, a member of the national organization: The YMCA of the USA. Visit www.JacksonYMCA.org.