The Ozarks Regional YMCA in downtown Springfield is exploring plans to revitalize the nearly 100-year old structure, including developing 40 housing units in a portion of the building.
Last month, the Y’s Board of Directors entered into a memorandum of understanding with Housing Plus, LLP and Creason Development for this proposal.
“These housing units will be comprised of what’s called a mix model use. And that will entail some market rate units, as well as some affordable housing apartments, in addition to specialty units,” Ozarks regional YMCA chief operating officer, Kathryn Colglazier, states.
The specialty units will focus on young adults ages 18 to 24 who have aged out of foster care.
“That has been something that our community has identified as an area of need. And so for us, looking at how the Y can help fulfill that need,” Colglazier adds.
The proposal also aims to eliminate some of the YMCA’s current $1.4 million debt.
“It also, again, would help us repurpose our space and allow us to have some solutions for some capital needs that our facility has had over the years for us to continue to be here,” Colglazier says.
According to Colglazier, the YMCA and the two partnered organizations will be putting forth an application to the Missouri Housing Development Commission in September. A final decision is expected in either December or January.
If awarded low income housing tax credits, construction will start the summer of 2017. The project may take 12 to 15 months to complete.
Colglazier says another major part of reconstruction is to preserve the YMCA’s historic architecture while also still being highly functional and serving the needs of the community.
“And what the community gains is the ability for us fulfill this need that is youth aging out of the foster care system as well as for our community to have thriving YMCA. Like I said before, we’ve been here for 100 years and we want to continue to be here for the next 100 years, and we want to be in this space and be a pillar in the downtown community as we have been so far,” Colglazier adds.
Officials note the project will bring obstacles, such as less Y space, parking availability and relocation during construction. But it points to debt reduction and a more direct impact on mission-based objectives and youth development as the rewards.
For more information about the proposal and construction plans, click here.