YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg raises $3 million for Speer YMCA
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Oct 18, 2023

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has raised an additional $3 million for the upcoming Speer YMCA.

The YMCA launched the community phase of its funding campaign in September for the new 75,000-square-foot facility, which is located at 495 62nd Ave. NE. The facility is part of an 111,757-square-foot project which includes Mangrove Bay Middle School, 501 62nd Ave. NE, and the Speer YMCA. Certain elements will be shared by both the school and the YMCA. The shared amenities include a gymnasium, culinary center, dining hall and athletics field.

Jim and Heather Gills donated $2 million toward the facility. The Gills are longtime supporters of the organization and made a foundational gift in 2001 for the Jim and Heather Gills YMCA.

“Dr. Gills and his wife Heather believe in healthy living for everyone, and they saw that playing out at our YMCA,” said David Jezek, president and CEO of YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. “We are grateful for their belief in our mission and our ability to steadfastly steward their donations. Their match challenge was taken up by our board of directors to get us even further down the road.”

The Hough Family Foundation has donated $1 million via a community match challenge toward the project.

“The Hough family loves St. Petersburg and has historically been involved in providing support for YMCA initiatives,” said Jezek. “Their support speaks to the stewardship, impact and longevity the family has put their faith in through generations.”

The YMCA broke ground on the wellness facility in June 2022 and is expected to be open in December. It will include a fitness center, group exercise studios, an outdoor wellness terrace and an aquatics center. The YMCA raised $20 million before launching its funding campaign's community phase last month. The group has a $25 million goal for the facility.

Jezek said the project will “continue to be a boost to the local economy,” estimating the facility’s opening will generate more than 100 full-and part-time jobs.

“As a partner with the Pinellas County School District, we’ll provide much-needed after-school care for Mangrove Bay Middle School students, complementing their in-school learning,” Jezek said in a release. “However, this facility is not just for kids. Adults, seniors and families will have access to a wide range of health and wellness programs, from sports and wellness to nutrition and active living.”

The project team includes St. Petersburg-based architecture firms Harvard Jolly and Wannemacher Jensen and Clearwater-based Creative Contractors.

“The Speer YMCA is really a community space,” Alexandra Feinberg, board member and community campaign committee chair, said in a release. “By partnering with the Pinellas County School District, we are able to leverage our generously donated funds to create a space where the community can gather around healthy activities, supportive services and community engagement.”