Jackson YMCA breaks ground for renovations, expansion
JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) — Young man there’s a place that you can go – that’ll soon be renovated and new. It’s the YMCA.
That’s right, it’s not just a Village People song with catchy dance moves, it’s a nonprofit organization that provides health and fitness options. The Jackson location broke ground Thursday on a 13,000-square-foot extension of the current building.
More than one hundred people were in attendance – from lawmakers to investors to longtime, dedicated members. They were there, they told 6 News because they love the institution of the YMCA.
“It’s home,” says Jeanne Shafer who has been a member for 53 years. “It really is and always has been. I’ve always felt very comfortable here.”
Her familiarity with the organization and building also lead her to be a donor for the expansion and renovations. The facility has been a second home for her, and her kids.
“This is my third renovation in this building,” she says. “I’m here five days a week. I just want to support it any way I can.”
An architect’s rendering of what the renovated and expanded YMCA building in Jackson. (WLNS) Construction equipment at the Jackson YMCA begins renovations and expansion construction Thursday. (WLNS)
Thursday’s groundbreaking has been an event years in the making. Shawna Tello, CEO of Jackson YMCA, says the process began in 2016. And through a pandemic and delays, the groundbreaking and commencement of phase one didn’t feel real for her.
“We’re just really able to celebrate the perseverance of all the people who have been a part of this work,” she tells 6 News of the celebration.
With $3 million in federal funding combined with a capital campaign that raised $25 million, the expansion and renovations will create a new entry, a new commons area, a kids zone, a wellness space and a new and improved aquatics center.
The renovations will also make the facility more accessible, something Tello says she’s particularly enthusiastic about.
“Creating a brand new locker room, a universal locker room, that will be fully accessible. Where families or people with diverse abilities will feel comfortable using a locker room setting,” she says. “We’re also building a third floor that will include a mezzanine adjacent to our track. It’ll allow all of our members to access the track.”
Even as the renovations and construction ramp up and throughout, the institution will stay open.
“One of our goals when we launched the project was to stay open continuously,” she says. “So many people, especially our seniors rely on access to the YMCA. Working families rely on us to provide childcare. But the work is focused on specific areas. Specific areas might have to be closed down.”
Tello says the first phase of construction will be completed by November, while the entire renovation and construction project is expected to be completed by 2025.
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