Rendering by Huitt-Zollars, Inc.
A new YMCA is on its way to southeast Fort Worth.
Ground broke Thursday for YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth's southeast location, dubbed the McDonald Southeast YMCA, consolidating the former McDonald YMCA and Southeast YMCA. Located at the corner of Mitchell and Moresby streets, the 35,000-square-foot facility will have features like a gym, walking track, fitness center and demonstration kitchen. Huitt-Zollars, Inc., is the architect for the project, with W. B. Kibler Construction serving as general contractor.
"We have a goal of doubling the youth that we serve through our branches, and we feel that this new branch will play a big role in that effort," said Buddy Puente, chair of the YMCA Board of Directors. "In fact, we're depending upon this community to bring the kids in because every kid ought to have the opportunity to be at a Y, and to jump in that swimming pool and yell, 'Cannonball!'"
The $13 million development is partly funded by donors like the Sid Richardson Foundation, the Amon G. Carter Foundation, the Morris Foundation and the Mabee Foundation. About $2.3 million from City of Fort Worth will help pay for a community pool. The project is also receiving $3 million in New Market Tax Credits, a federal program that provides tax credits to private investors who invest in business and economic development projects in areas whose individual poverty rate is at least 20 percent. The area where the YMCA will be located has a 34.2 percent poverty rate and 18.4 percent unemployment rate.
YMCA is currently working to raise $100,000 from the community to help fund the development.
