New Location, New Name for Houston’s Downtown YMCA
New Y, Named for a Family with a Legacy of Giving, Stays Close to Current Home
Houston (September 9, 2008) – They have four generations of service to the YMCA and to the city of Houston; now, a local family is reinforcing their ethic of caring and giving back. The YMCA of Greater Houston, which announced today it has closed on the purchase of a city block at 808 Pease, revealed the new Downtown YMCA will be named in honor of the Tellepsen family – known for long service to the Houston community and the YMCA in particular. Additionally, the community service organization revealed initial renderings of the newest Houston YMCA, scheduled to break ground in early 2009.
“We are overwhelmingly grateful to Howard Tellepsen Jr. and four generations of his family for their generosity over the past 100 years, and for being the lead donor for the downtown facility, the crown jewel of Greater Houston YMCAs,” said YMCA of Greater Houston President and CEO, Clark Baker. “The Tellepsens’ commitment to build character and values through stronger families will be felt by thousands of Houstonians now and for many years to come.”
After more than a decade of careful study and research regarding the long-term engineering needs of the current building, the YMCA of Greater Houston has accepted the fact that the rapidly-aging facility can no longer serve existing or future members.
The new Tellepsen Family YMCA will blend proud traditions and dynamic plans, creating a beautiful community facility. It will occupy approximately 107,000 square feet and include a teen center, child watch area, community meeting space, chapel, group exercise rooms, on-site parking, supportive services for those in need and much more.
The new YMCA, designed by Kirksey Architects, will be the first Greater Houston YMCA “green” facility that is LEED (Leadership Excellence in Environmental Design) certified. This means it will be more efficient, less expensive to operate, consume less energy and emit fewer harmful chemicals.
Construction will begin in 2009 with an expected completion date of fall 2010. A seamless transition from the current location to the new facility will ensure that members won’t miss a day of activities or fellowship.
The Tellepsen family began this unique relationship with the YMCA in 1910, when founder Tom Tellepsen enrolled in an architectural drawing class at the Fannin YMCA Night School. Since then, the Tellepsen family has been intrinsically involved in the community, service and leadership of the YMCAs of Greater Houston.
First organized in 1886, the YMCA of Greater Houston’s mission is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA seeks to serve those of all faiths, or none.
In the greater Houston area, 38 YMCA facilities and hundreds of program sites provide character enrichment and fun activities for people of all ages, cultures and abilities. Last year, more than 700,000 people in Houston were served through values-based Y programs such as child development and education, older youth and teen programming, health enhancement, wellness, camping, sports and recreation, community development, wellness, fellowship, refugee resettlement and affordable housing.
Locally, the YMCA utilizes the skills of nearly 6,000 staff members and 14,000 volunteers. Limited financial assistance is made available through the YMCA to individuals and families who substantiate need. To learn more, call 713-659-5566 or visit us on the web at www.ymcahouston.org.
The YMCA of Greater Houston is a non-profit organization funded by the United Way. |
