The two will jointly occupy a new building at the site of the former Philip Morris USA plant at Broadway and 18th Street. Philip Morris donated the site and a grant to YMCA. UofL has committed to occupy about one-third of the 40,000- to 50,000-square-foot building.
UofL and the YMCA commissioned a market research survey to determine residents’ interest in both the proposed facility and the programming that would be available at it.
Although plans are not final, preliminary plans are for the university to use the space to house educational, research, clinical and outreach programs. UofL programs or units that will occupy that space likely will work to address community needs related to health care, job training and economic development.
“We are proud to join the YMCA and other community partners in an effort to improve the quality of life for everyone in our hometown and more specifically, to better the lives of the residents in West Louisville with this facility” said UofL Provost Shirley Willihnganz.
YMCA officials said they hope to start building within the next 10 months and to open the facility within two years.
The partnership with the YMCA aligns with UofL’s Signature Partnership and the work of the community engagement office.