Kokomo Continues ‘Dramatic’ Transformation
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe city of Kokomo has unveiled details of a $27 million downtown redevelopment project. Plans call for a five story building to include a 400-space parking garage and nearly three dozen apartments. Construction could begin next month and is slated to be complete next year. The initiative includes the YMCA's $16 million proposal for a new facility. August 27, 2013
News Release
KOKOMO, Ind. – At a joint City/YMCA event titled, “A glimpse Into Our Future,” Mayor Greg Goodnight announced further details on plans to build a five-story parking garage/apartment structure in downtown Kokomo. The parking garage and apartment structure will be built on the site of the northwest corner of Union and Sycamore Streets in downtown Kokomo across from the new YMCA.
“The parking garage resolves downtown's current parking needs and facilitates future development,” Goodnight said. “This impressive addition to Kokomo's urban landscape represents the city's commitment for taking a supporting role in Kokomo's continued vitality.”
The parking garage will be four-stories with approximately 400 parking spaces. The fifth floor of the structure will house 33 market-rate apartments including efficiencies, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Groundbreaking for the parking garage will begin in about a month with the project set for completion in June 2014.
While they are two separate projects, the new parking garage and apartments will complement the new YMCA building by providing public parking for YMCA patrons, downtown residents and businesses. Both efforts are designed to improve the quality of life amenities in Kokomo and help revitalize downtown.
“Kokomo is in the midst of an exciting and dramatic transformation,” Goodnight said. The parking garage and apartments are another incremental step in transforming our city through better utilization of space which in turn helps create economic development, according to the Mayor.
With the help of the Kokomo Common Council, the administration has completed a multitude of public projects including: two new fire stations, expanding pedestrian paths and trails, renovating City Hall, new parks amenities, added two dog parks, converting one-way streets to two-way streets; new landscaping and trees; new labeling of public lots, removal of government parking, way finder signage, removing sign clutter, converting intersections with traffic signals into four-way stops, adding bike lanes and parking adding bump-out intersections and others.
Kokomo holds the distinction of being the only city in Indiana with a population between 40,000-85,000 that currently has no general obligation, TIF or other debt.
Source: The City of Kokomo
August 26, 2013
News Release
KOKOMO, Ind. – The Kokomo Family YMCA unveiled the plans for the development of a new downtown YMCA facility on the lot at Union and Sycamore streets. Initial plans for the new Y include a health and wellness center, lap pool, instructional warm water pool, multi-purpose gathering spaces, a teen center, a chapel, a double gymnasium and a walking/running track.
“Our current facility was built in 1910,” said Dave Dubois, executive director of the YMCA. “We've continued to make additions and improvements to meet the changing needs of our community. Over the years, we've helped thousands of children, families, adults and seniors grow healthy and strong. But to continue to lead the way for healthy living and youth development for future generations, a new downtown facility is needed.”
The YMCA is conducting a building campaign drive to construct the new 73,000-square-foot facility in downtown Kokomo. Capital campaign chairman Ron Metz shared the campaign progress, “With a goal of 16 million dollars, this is the largest single philanthropic effort in our city's history. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from area businesses, families and individuals. To date, we've received $8,796,120 toward this exciting project. While we aren't done yet, we are very encouraged by the early backing of our efforts and will continue to do what is needed to give the people of our community a new Y.”
The actual groundbreaking for the new facility will be determined by the level and pace of support of the community. If all of the funds needed to develop the new Y facility are raised as projected over the next 10 months, groundbreaking could take place next summer with a new Y facility opening its doors in 2015. In the meantime, Y leadership encourages Kokomo and Howard County residents to actively participate in programs and activities in our current facility at 200 N. Union St.
“In our values-based programs we promote health, family values and youth development. To continue accomplishing that mission, it became clear we needed a new YMCA facility for Howard County,” said Tonya Goodier, YMCA board president. “It's not just a building. It's a project of significant investment that will be the catalyst to future economic growth in our community. It's a long-term commitment to the children, families and adults who deserve the opportunity to be strong in spirit, mind and body.”
Source: Kokomo YMCA