Savannah Ghost Pirates mascot, Davy, joined with YMCA of Coastal Georgia leadership and members of the construction and design teams to welcome the public to “Treasure the Y” at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The continuation of the reinvestment project will move to the Islands Family YMCA and then on to the Habersham YMCA.
“From fitness classes to youth programs, the West Chatham YMCA is a forward-thinking endeavor that is dedicated to serving the community,” said Joel Smoker, YMCA of Coastal Georgia CEO. “Whether you are looking to stay fit or get involved with a variety of activities, the West Chatham YMCA has something for everyone. We are so pleased with the results and are happy to welcome the community to this reenvisioned branch.”
Felder & Associates, a distinguished and award-winning architecture firm in Savannah specializing in historic preservation, commercial and high-end residential building projects, is the architect on the multi-faceted project. West Construction, a commercial general contracting company based in Savannah, Ga., is managing the construction.
(L to R) Brian Felder, Owner of Felder & Associates- Courtney Rawlins- President and CEO of Pooler Chamber of Commerce- Matt West, Owner of West Construction Company
“Fitness centers that were constructed during the 1990s were designed to cater to the needs and demands of that era. However, with the evolution of trends and clientele, the requirements for fitness centers have also evolved,” said Brian Felder, Founder and Principal Architect of Felder & Associates. “The latest trends and newer customer base require open floor plan spaces that provide ample room for movement, as opposed to just standing in one place and lifting weights. This means that modern fitness centers need to have dynamic spaces that can accommodate different types of programs and activities.”
Many spaces in the West Chatham YMCA branch were redesigned for more social interaction and functional fitness. Most surfaces were refreshed with updated colors and textures. Additionally, the ceiling was raised to further increase the sense of space. The open floor plan adds flexibility with availability for repurposing it in the future as fitness trends continue to evolve over the next decade.
“The YMCA has long been a pillar of our community, and the renovated West Chatham location is no exception. With the growth of the Pooler area, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet the needs of every member,” said Matt West, Owner of West Construction Company.
“As a dedicated member of the YMCA for the past 31 years, visiting three to four times a week, you could say I’ve been studying this project for a while,” Felder continued. “While staying active and healthy has always been a primary focus, the YMCA has evolved to incorporate new spaces that foster social connections and updated interior design that enhances the overall experience. Personally, I am thrilled with the changes as a member, but as a professional, I must express my satisfaction with the outcome. The YMCA’s transformation has been a long time coming, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the final product.”
The West Chatham YMCA is located at 165 Isaac G. Larouche Dr., Pooler, Ga. Visit their website at ymcaofcoastalga.org/branch/west-chatham/.
ABOUT THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia has been serving the Coastal Georgia community for over 167 years and continues to work every day to advance its cause to strengthen the community through its three areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Today the YMCA of Coastal Georgia operates 11 units in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties; included is the YMCA’s Before- and After-School Enrichment Program operating in 55 elementary and middle schools throughout the markets served. The YMCA serves men and women, girls and boys of all ages and from all walks of life. All of this and more is accomplished while putting forth the Y mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
ABOUT FELDER & ASSOCIATES
Established in 2012, Felder & Associates specializes in historic preservation, commercial architecture, adaptive reuse architecture, corporate interior design, high-end residential design, green building and neo-traditional building. The firm has experienced a 10% yearly growth for the past three consecutive years, and holds memberships with the Historic Savannah Foundation, the American Institutes of Architects and the United States Green Building Council. Recognitions include historic preservation awards from the Historic Savannah Foundation, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Excellence in Rehabilitation award, the Georgia Association of The American Institute of Architects Design Award in Renovation and a special judges’ award from Hospitality Design magazine. Felder & Associates is located at 2514 Abercorn Street, Suite 120, Savannah, GA 31401. For more information or to contact Felder & Associates, call 912-777-3979, or visit www.felderassociates.net
ABOUT WEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
West Construction Company, established in 2014 and headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, is an award-winning, mid-sized commercial construction company built on a reputation of quality, integrity, and discipline. West Construction Company’s purpose is to build quality projects and quality people through trusting relationships, service to our clients, partners, and our community.
MEDIA CONTACT
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