BOISE, Idaho — A massive new center for family recreation and resources is coming to the heart of downtown Boise.
The Treasure Valley Family YMCA broke ground on a new $80 million facility to offer more critical resources to the growing community.
The new facility will be right across the street from the current YMCA, which has been a lifeline of the community since 1968, but was in need of about $20 million of repairs. The new project has been in the pipeline since 2017, when the YMCA's board decided it was time to take the next step and find a larger space.
"We're here to support people in their mental health, their physical health, and now with CapEd - their financial health," Treasure Valley Family YMCA President David Duro said.
The new facility brings new assets - including financial counseling, health services and family programing and recreation.
"This health, education and social equity hub is a spot for the entire community to come together and to learn to appreciate one another and just spend quality time working on themselves and their families - whatever that might be," Duro said.
The new downtown Boise YMCA will also have a Family Early Education Center, doubling the amount of affordable and accessible childcare in downtown Boise - and filling gaps for a critical resource the Treasure Valley is seeing a shortage of.
"The Y provides care to so many families, allowing kids to be safe, healthy and get ready for school - and let the parents know that their kids are cared for so they can focus on work and businesses can thrive," Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said. "A key partner in building a strong economy for everyone."
Half of the money to build the facility has come from philanthropic support, and the YMCA is looking to fundraise the last $5 million in community donations to fully fund the new building.
The CapEd Downtown Boise YMCA is expected to be completed in late 2025 or early 2026. The current YMCA downtown Boise location will stay open until the new building is complete.