FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA moving forward
February 25, 2019
Confirms long-term financing with United States Department of Agriculture and construction loan with United Community Bank
The FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA closed on long-term financing with USDA on Wednesday, February 20th and the construction loan with United Community Bank on Friday, February 22nd. This is a major milestone as the completion of USDA requirements allows construction of the new FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA, Cottingham Campus to fully begin.
Involved in the USDA Preconstruction meeting were Chris Bowen, Ashley Davis and Steve Hill with Hogan Construction, Gable Stubbs and Kate Pohlman with SGA Architecture, Lara Ashey and Jerry Stroud with USDA, Rick Stanland with UCB, Rick McDuff with Merrell, Jahn & McDuff PA, and Christle Ross, Craig Gilbert, and Bryan Duncan with FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA Board of Directors.
Construction of the brand new 33,000 square foot facility is now underway, with an estimated $8.4 million project cost. When the facility opens at the beginning of 2020, the community will benefit from an expansion of fitness and sports programs offered for youth, seniors, and families, childcare services, swim lessons, water fitness and swim teams. In addition to promoting healthy bodies, the new building will promote healthy minds and spirits. The building will be a place for all community members to come together. “Through financial assistance programs, the FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA opens doors for everyone to come,” said Christle Ross, CEO of the FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA.
This project will open 50 employment opportunities for full-time and part-time positions at the new facility, in addition to the existing 50 positions the FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA currently fills. Hiring will begin closer to facility opening and those interested will be able to find applications listed on the FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA website and the national YMCA vacancy list.
“Reaching this milestone has required a lot of people working for a long time; this vision arose in the 80’s and committed individuals have been paving the path to make it happen ever since,” noted Christle Ross. After previous building attempts and challenging economic times, the FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA knows they have found the best location, right partners, and team to make this vision come to fruition.
This year is the 125th anniversary of the FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA charter. There will be a celebration to thank anyone who has been involved with the Foothills charter on May 14th at Holtzendorff Hall on Clemson’s campus from 5:00pm – 7:00pm.
“The fact we are bringing this facility to the community during our 125th year existing as a charter is exciting! This shows we are building the future for the families in our community and creating something to be enjoyed for years to come,” Christle Ross.
