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The Houston Texans YMCA, located in the historic Third Ward community, has been certified as the very first LEED Gold YMCA in the State of Texas.
The new campus features an outdoor pool and splash park, regulation football/soccer fields, gymnasium, state-of-the-art fitness area, spinning and aerobics studios, a child watch room with a reading nook and indoor climbing wall, and a teen center with Houston Texans themed décor and individual computer stations.
Numerous environmentally responsible elements were designed into the 30,000 s.f. facility, which not only conserve resources, but reduce the campus operating costs. Automatic faucet heads, low flow showerheads and ultra efficient toilets will save 120,000 gallons of water every year, which is the equivalent of eight swimming pools. The mechanical system was designed to be fourteen percent more efficient than comparable buildings and the lighting throughout is complemented by generous natural light from the skylights and windows. In addition, the staff of the Houston Texans YMCA implemented an aggressive program to recycle paper, plastics, aluminum cans, cardboard and glass and created an on-site education program to inform and education visitors about building green.
The project team of Fretz Construction, Brave Architecture and The Mathis Group worked closely with Kirksey, the LEED consultant, to adhere to each criteria of the U.S. Green Building Council. This partnership resulted in the project receiving one of the highest LEED certifications possible. There are only ten other YMCA’s in the nation that are certified LEED Gold.
“The project team focused from day one on doing things that would result in this high LEED certification,” said Bob Fretz, Jr., President of Fretz Construction Company. “It truly was a team effort from the start, led by Ken Harris of the YMCA. Ken encouraged us and guided us to do the smart things needed to be able to achieve this significant recognition.”
In addition to the positive environmental impact on the neighborhood, the new Y has quickly regained its position as a fixture in the community, bringing families and neighbors together and promoting the sense of community which has become synonymous with the YMCA.
This campus was built to replace the old South Central YMCA, which was a fixture in the historic Third Ward community for decades. The lobby area features a memorial wall recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of Dr. Quentin R. Mease, who was instrumental in getting the South Central YMCA built in 1955 and was a well respected leader. The cornerstone of the original South Central YMCA was placed in the lobby to remind members of the historical impact the YMCA has had on the community.
The Houston Texans YMCA is the first Y in the nation sponsored by a professional sports franchise. Texans owner, Bob McNair, visited the construction site regularly throughout the course of the project and even served hamburgers to the construction crew at a mid-project luncheon. He frequently emphasized the value in the YMCA’s mission and the importance of organizations such as the Texans re-investing in Houston through these meaningful partnerships.
“Fretz Construction Company, with the other project team members, really enjoyed the active role taken by Janet and Bob McNair,” said Bob Fretz, Jr., President of Fretz Construction Company. “They engaged every one of the workers in the field, and were genuinely appreciative of the efforts made throughout construction. It was a pleasure working for the McNairs and for the Houston Texans, as well as our long-time client, the YMCA of Greater Houston.”
Fretz Construction Company has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the YMCA of Greater Houston, resulting in the successful completion of the Cy Creek YMCA, Katy Family YMCA, West Orem YMCA and the Alief YMCA.
Click to view project photos
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