The YMCA of the Capital Area is set to make a $30 million investment in Mid-City at its South Foster location. In partnership with the Office of Community Development and Bearing Point Properties, the YMCA will build more than 100 apartments at its South Foster location as part of the State’s workforce housing program. In addition to the apartments, a new YMCA will also be constructed on the same site. The Y is excited for the opportunity to be part of the solution to address the housing challenge for young professionals and continue to serve as an asset to the community for many years to come.
This joint venture helps the Y continue its efforts to address critical social issues and pressing problems facing our community. The concept of providing housing is not new to the YMCA Movement, in fact, YMCA housing was started in the 1860s. YMCA housing accommodations between 1922 and 1940, grew to the point of being more than any hotel chain at the time. In 1923, the YMCA of the Capital Area provided temporary housing to young men getting settled in our community. Projects such as this are being initiated in several cities throughout the country as the Y continues to respond to community needs and challenges.
Christian Engle, President and CEO for the YMCA of the Capital Area said, “To bring a new Y to Mid-City has always been a part of our facility development plan and this partnership provided the perfect vehicle for us to make it happen; and have an even greater service impact to the community. The existing A.C. Lewis YMCA is 60 years old and needs to be replaced so it can serve the community for another 60 years.”
The four-story apartments will consist of one, two and three bedrooms and provide first class accommodations to integral members of our parish. The new YMCA, will maintain its namesake, the A.C. Lewis YMCA, in deference to the Lewis Family and their continued support of the YMCA in Baton Rouge and this new project. The new Y will consist of a gymnasium, fitness/wellness center, group exercise space, swimming pool, babysitting and youth space, along with locker rooms, steam room, whirlpool and sauna. The Y is establishing a temporary location near the Gerry Lane Chevrolet and GMC/Buick dealerships on Florida Blvd.
The Y will continue to offer youth programs such as summer camp, swimming lessons and sports at the Baranco-Clark YMCA and ExxonMobil YMCA.
We will continue to share additional information on construction, programming and our new temporary location in the coming months.
