ABOUT THIS PROJECT

The new Republic Bank Foundation YMCA in West Louisville offers a variety of community services for health, wellness, and education through both standard YMCA programming and partnerships with local organizations sharing the space. This project transformed a former cigarette factory brownfield site to create an all-ages wellness hub that reclaims a neglected lot for the community and reestablishes the urban fabric and pedestrian scale.

An abundance of windows and open spaces creates transparency to build community and accountability as everyone pursues their wellness goals together. Two-story windows invite the neighborhood to come inside. The large stairwell, usually a domestic focal point, is given a prominent place in this commercial building, both to welcome guests and encourage them to use this healthier method for getting to the second level. The second-floor walking track moves through the strength training area and overlooks the pool and fitness center. The YMCA has a gymnasium, fitness center, locker rooms, large pool for fitness and recreation, wheelchair-accessible water play area, childcare area, and exercise studios. Beyond that, the building integrates other health and wellness partners: a Republic Bank branch also offering financial literacy education, Gilda’s Club, ProRehab Physical Therapy, counseling services from Family and Children’s Place, a Norton Healthcare family medicine clinic, and the Best Buy Teen Tech Center to offer training for youth interested in tech jobs.