FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kirksey Awarded New YMCA as Part of Design Competition
HOUSTON , TEXAS — The YMCA of Greater Houston has selected Kirksey to be the architect on the new Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA. Kirksey was awarded the project as the result of a design competition and interviews conducted by The Mathis Group, Inc, project managers for the YMCA of Greater Houston.
The Tellepsen Family YMCA will be the second largest operating YMCA of Greater Houston, serving over 10,000 members and encompassing approximately 107,000-sf of membership and program space. The new facility will incorporate sustainable building practices and will pursue LEED certification.
“Kirksey is excited about the growth and continued success of the Houston-area Family YMCAs and we are happy to be a part of the planning and design of the downtown facility,” said Steve Durham, Community Projects Team Leader at Kirksey. “We are firm supporters of the YMCA, its mission, and values and feel strongly that architecture can play a positive role in fostering a ‘healthy spirit, mind and body.’”
Tellepsen, as the namesake for the building and the general contractor selected for the project in a competitive bid based on capability, quality capacity, cost and experience building for YMCA, will work closely with Kirksey and the YMCA to incorporate the established values and goals into the design of this new landmark facility. The Tellepsen family has been involved with the YMCA since 1910, with four generations serving on the board.
“As the largest YMCA in the Greater Houston area, the Tellepsen Family facility should be purposeful, high-performing, and meaningful, incorporating elements from the 1941 structure while embodying the latest in building technology.,” said Howard T. Tellepsen, Chairman and CEO of Tellepsen. “Timeless materials and design concepts will ensure a useful and enduring structure, characteristic of the esteemed Tellepsen family name and YMCA values.”
The distinctive new downtown YMCA will prominently display the story of the Tellepsen family history and long involvement with the YMCA graphically throughout. The facility will include 13,000 square feet of strength and cardio space with state of the art equipment; a suspended running track along the full length of the building; and an indoor swim center with natural light from extensive windows, encompassing a 25 yard 4 lane Lap pool, teaching and therapy pool, and whirlpool/spa. Additionally, the facility will have a child watch area, teen activity room, community outreach and supportive services area with computer lab and food pantry, cafe, chapel, locker rooms including separate family changing rooms, sauna and steam rooms, conference center for community groups, women’s wellness center including workout area and lounge, multi-level locker rooms with showers and massage room, membership and welcome area, basketball court, racquetball courts, group exercise rooms, spin room, and a north-facing glass wall offering unobstructed views of downtown Houston.
Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2009 and be completed by fall 2010. The Tellepsen Family YMCA will be located downtown bounded by Pease, Jefferson, Travis and Milam.
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