The YMCA of Coastal Georgia held a grand opening of the first phase for its new $1 million, 50,000-square-foot facility in Statesboro, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Felder & Associates of Savannah served as architect for the project at 409 Claiborne Ave., the site of the former Sallie Zetterower Elementary School complex. Work to renovate the building and grounds included adding new windows to the old school gym that now welcome light into the YMCA’s new 11,000-square-foot wellness center. Renovations were also made to an adjacent classroom wing and the cafeteria to convert them into activity spaces.

“This unique location in a neighborhood setting offers the perfect fit for the YMCA, with great accessibility, over eight acres of usable land and fifty thousand square feet of indoor space,” said Joel Smoker, president and CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “The Felder team worked alongside many YMCA volunteers to ensure we have this beautiful and functional place to serve the community now and for generations to come.”

The facility will also offer cardio and strength equipment, a boxing studio, Child Watch and Kid Zone rooms for pre-school and school-aged children, a dedicated teen room and separate studios for yoga, Pilates, dance and group exercise classes. The local YMCA’s full-time staff of two (plus part-time instructors), is expected to increase to as many as 15 employees.

“While the renovation repurposes the building for a new use, our goal was also to preserve some of the history of the school itself, honoring the legacy of the students and teachers who once walked the halls,” said Brian Felder, managing principal of Felder & Associates.

Grand opening festivities included an open house with tours of the facility and an opportunity to meet staff members.