Nonprofit breaks ground in downtown Boise on major project

A big project that is expected to have a big impact on the community it serves broke ground on Oct. 29 in downtown Boise.

The Treasure Valley Family YMCA has been planning and raising funds for its Downtown Boise YMCA facility for some time. Having secured $80 million in funding through private and public partners, the project needs another $5 million to be fully funded, the organization stated.

Construction on the project was supposed to begin this summer as previously announced by the YMCA but was delayed a couple of months. The project covers two and a half blocks in the area between Washington and State Streets where the current facility exists. That facility will not shut down until the new build is completed in approximately two years.

It will include mixed-income housing, expanded affordable child care, educational space, a credit union, community gathering space and the health and wellness services.

Five million dollars of the funding came from CapEd Credit Union, which will allow for naming the facility the CapEd Downtown Boise YMCA.

“Our vision is to build a place where everyone can thrive, and today’s groundbreaking brings us one step closer to making that vision a reality,” said David Duro, president and CEO of the Treasure Valley Family YMCA at the ceremony. “This new facility will be the cornerstone for a comprehensive project that will create a network of support, vitality and community for thousands who live and work here.”

Several government officials who have championed the project and helped secure funding were in attendance, including Boise Mayor Lauren McClean, Con. Mike Simpson and Gov. Brad Little, who lauded the facility for helping create a healthy community.

“The groundbreaking of the new CapEd Downtown Boise YMCA is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering a vibrant, healthy community,” Little said. “This new facility not only will enhance access to important services but will also serve as a central hub that brings people together, supports individual well-being and community connectivity, and creates a brighter future for all Idahoans.”

McLean echoed Little’s sentiment and stated that the Y will also contribute to early childhood care.

“By doubling the amount of early child care available in downtown Boise, this project underscores our commitment to supporting families and fostering a strong, vibrant community,” she said.

The downtown facility is one of four under the purview of the Treasure Valley Family YMCA organization, which operates more than 100 programs serving 110,000 youth and families every year, including a 440-acre summer camp and more than 30 child development locations.

Along with the $5 million donation, CapEd Credit Union will provide financial counseling and literacy programs, while St. Luke’s Health System will collaborate with the nonprofit to provide lifestyle medicine, pediatric integrative medicine and other health and wellness resources to community members.

“This project is a perfect example of how federal investments can create lasting, positive change for our local communities,” Simpson said during the event. The congressman was “pivotal,” the Y said, in securing $4 million in federal funds for the project. “The new YMCA will be a cornerstone for health, wellness and education, and I’m proud to have been part of its foundation.”