YMCA prepares for an exciting return to downtown Detroit
DETROIT, July 25, 2003 — The YMCA is another step closer to its return to downtown Detroit. The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit kicked off the final phase of the Building Strong Kids capital fund-raising campaign with an event on the site of the new Downtown Family YMCA Wednesday, July 30. The site is located next to the Broadway People Mover station at Broadway, John R, Grand River and Farmer.
The YMCA has already raised $30 million toward its $35 million goal, with support from key organizations and foundations including a $7.5 million grant from Kresge Foundation. Support also comes from some of the most influential community leaders who are serving as honorary campaign chairs, Governor Jennifer Granholm, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Duggan.
“The Downtown YMCA will be the YMCA’s flagship branch in southeast Michigan, and one of the premier YMCAs in the country,” said YMCA President and CEO Reid Thebault. “The YMCA will serve as a central gathering place,” he continued, “uniting people of all beliefs and backgrounds — an essential addition to the growing downtown community.” Thebault added that the YMCA will also draw families downtown for Y activities and events.
The YMCA will break ground on a three-story, 85,000-square-foot Downtown Branch in October, scheduled to open in 2005. Features will include a performing arts theater, arts and humanities center/studio, sports arena, child care/family resource center, natatorium (with lap lanes, a therapeutic pool and family play areas), wellness/fitness center and much more.
As with all YMCAs, the Downtown Family YMCA will welcome everyone, regardless of income, ability, age, religion or race. The Y will continue providing financial assistance to ensure everyone who wishes to join, may.
The Building Strong Kids Campaign has already brought a new William and Marie Carls Family YMCA to Milford, and a new North Oakland Family YMCA opens in Auburn Hills in September.
The YMCA currently serves 300,000 people; the campaign will allow the Y to serve at least 500,000 people throughout southeast Michigan.
