Georgette and Cato Johnson YMCA and Early Learning Center
Scope: Located within the Whitehaven community of Memphis, TN, the Georgette and Cato Johnson Family YMCA is a vital public amenity serving families throughout the community for over 50 years. The design of this new replacement facility consists of the renovation of an existing 1-story 7,000 SF daycare center that remained from the original building, the construction of a new 25,000 SF 2-story addition, and a new pool enclosure. The development also includes exterior site improvements, a playground, a large public art installation, and landscaping. The project makes use of a responsive building design that is open and engaging, keeping in mind all members. Community venues, including multipurpose meeting rooms with a Child Watch coupled with a kids adventure center are designed to better foster community togetherness and serve younger members and families. A state-of-the-art 2nd-floor wellness center, gymnasium, and indoor glass-enclosed instructional pool allow health-seekers to achieve a wide variety of fitness goals year-round. The use of glass and open-concept spaces around the facility not only brings in maximized natural lighting but also allows for visibility and transparency throughout the design. The site, building, and interior were designed to be cohesive and embody the YMCA’s holistic approach of spirit, mind, and body.