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Capital Campaign and Building Renovation

Overview | Renovation Plans | Make a Contribution

News

Duluth Area Family YMCA launches ‘Community Gifts’ phase of $4 million Capital Campaign

04/21/2008 - The Duluth Area Family YMCA has been quietly securing pledges during the past six months from corporate donors, foundations, civic organizations and others, during the first phases of the Y’s $4 million Capital Campaign for major renovations and expansion to the facility at 302 West First Street.

This morning, the Y launched the final step in its “Touching Lives… Creating the Future” Capital Campaign — the “Community Gifts” phase — to raise the final amount from individual citizens.

The Community Gifts kickoff began with an announcement of the Capital Campaign and its needs, with Mayor Don Ness and Y leaders addressing the news media in the YMCA lobby. Read more...

Overview

For nearly 125 years, the Duluth Area Family YMCA has served the youth, adults, and families with programs and activities that strengthen the spirit, mind, and body. Many changes have occured throughout those years. Our cities have changed, the makeup of our families has changed, and even society as a whole has changed. These changes have brought both opportunities and challenges. The vision of building Strong Kids, Strong Families, and Strong Communities continues to be a focus today. One might even say that our youngsters, teens, families, and seniors have in the past and continue to count today on the YMCA being there for them. They count on the childcare. They count on the youth programs that share values and build character. They count on the Y to teach healthy lifestyles. Learn to Swim, YMCA camping, afterschool programs, and mentoring are all a part of what makes up the YMCA today.

These changes that have taken place and continue to take place, along with a commitment and revitalization of the Duluth area has forced the YMCA to look to the future. Since 1966, when the current facility was built, two new generations have emerged. Back then, terms such as "at risk population" and "target area" were not yet in our vocabulary. Families were easily defined and the YMCA was slowly building an all-inclusive organization. Today, the Duluth Area Family YMCA provides programs for men, women, boys, and girls. It provides for those who cannot afford membership and annually has over 13,000 program participants and 5,500 members.

We are now standing at a critical juncture. The times we live in present new challenges and needs, especially amoung our young people. The number of people using the YMCA facility is expanding - a reality taxing our facility. On the positive side, new populations, renewed interest in Downtown Duluth, and expanding program are creating exciting new opportunities. To meet the needs and these opportunities, we need to renovate and remodel the YMCA. Today, we are being asked to support this fine organization that we have counted on, to make a commitment and give back to the YMCA and to secure the Y for the next generation.

You, as a current or potential contributor to the YMCA hold its future in your hands. For continued excellence in programs and services, this comprehensive renovation is both needed and necessary. The realization of these goals through our campaign will place the YMCA in a position to meet our challenges for many years to come. We invite you to join us in this campaign. With your support, together we will be TOUCHING LIVES... CREATING THE FUTURE.

- Jane Haubrich Casperson, Board Chair

 

Renovation Plans

A capital campaign is needed now to meet the challenges, changes, and opportunities that we see in our area. It has been said many times that a building is only a tool that houses people and programs. The Duluth Area Family YMCA is an excellent example. The building itself has a strong foundation, with its true purpose to provide space to meet the needs of the members, program participants, and the Community.

However, the building is in need of extensive renovation and remodeling. After several years of careful consideration and numerous studies, the Duluth Area Family YMCA has embarked on a $4,000,000 Capital Campaign that will ultimately provide a facility which will be the tool to creating and implementing programs for all people. With the success of the campaign and the completion of renovations and additions, the YMCA will continue for generations, able to say we are truly TOUCHING LIVES... CREATING THE FUTURE.

View the Renovation Blueprints:

Youth and Teen Program Areas

  • Remodel and renovate lower level area to add youth program space
  • Dedicated area for mentoring and tutoring
  • Teen programs such as Youth in Government

Fitness and Healthy Lifestyles Area

  • Additional fitness studios and activity areas for all ages
  • Additional excercise area and equipment
  • Dedicated group fitness area
  • Expanded Strength Training and Cardiovascular Center

Multi-Purpose Areas

  • Additional small multi-purpose rooms
  • Small group fitness area
  • Youth program/meeting area
  • Small community meeting room

Entrance/Lobby

  • Renovated lobby and security system
  • Accessibility for all persons
  • Improved interior and exterior lighting for greater safety and security

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Ventilation

  • First LEED-Certified in the U.S.
  • Energy efficient and environmentally sound design
  • Indoor environment quality control

Special Needs/Family Locker Rooms

  • Private changing areas for those with special needs
  • Private changing areas for small children and parents
  • Private showers and toilet area

Locker Room Renovation

  • Complete renovation of all locker rooms
  • Additional private shower cubicles
  • Accessibility for all persons
  • Well-lit and secure

Skywalk

  • Attached skywalk from Holiday Inn parking ramp
  • Safer entrances for all ages
  • Off-street parking
  • Additional elevator
  • Controlled security

TOTAL NEED ........................................... $4,000,000

 

Make a Contribution

Thank you for your interest in making a contribution to the Duluth Area Family YMCA Capital Campaign. Please use the following form to contact the Capital Campaign office.

Please make out checks to Duluth Area Family YMCA - Capital Campaign. We appreciate your interest and support!

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