FLINT, MI – Flint residents are one step closer to enjoying the newest development in the city. Ground was officially broken in a Thursday morning ceremony at 719 Harrison St, Flint. The official name for the development, which includes a YMCA, apartments, physical therapy space, and Crim Fitness Foundation offices, was announced at the ceremony as LiveWell on Harrison.

Over 250 people joined officials from the city, community leaders, YMCA members and business leaders to watch as shovels finally hit the dirt, announcing construction will begin soon. The many notable figures included:

• Shelly Hilton – YMCA of Greater Flint, CEO
• Melany Gavulic – Hurley Medical Center, CEO; YMCA of Greater Flint, Board President; YMCA Capital Campaign Leader
• Dick Skaff – Skaff Carpet One and Furniture, YMCA Capital Campaign Leader
• Joseph Rizk – Vienna Township Supervisor; YMCA Capital Campaign Leader
• Kyle Kuzma – Washington Wizards, NBA Champion, Entrepreneur; Major Donor
• Ridgway White – Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, President and CEO
• Sheldon Neeley – Mayor, City of Flint
• Jeff Snider – Snider Financial, President; YMCA of Greater Flint Foundation, President; YMCA of Greater Flint, Board Member
• Tim Herman – Flint and Genesee Group, CEO; Uptown Reinvestment Corporation, President
• Lauren Holaly-Zembo – Crim Fitness Foundation, CEO

The total cost of the project is estimated to be nearly $41 million. The building will include roughly 55,000 square feet for the YMCA and our health partners, along with 50 apartments. Support for the project includes $16.5 million in grants from the Mott Foundation, $1 million from the Kyle Kuzma Foundation, $1 million from the YMCA Foundation and $1 million from an anonymous donor.

“Every project has a story, and — more important — every person has a story,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. “The LiveWell building celebrates both. With a beautiful YMCA, apartments and strong community organizations all in one place, the new facility will serve residents and also add to the vibrancy of Flint’s Health and Wellness District.”

Shelly Hilton, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Flint, concluded the prepared remarks by sharing, “For over 100 years, you have trusted the Y to be your home for health, wellness, and youth programming. We recognize the trust you have given us and pledge that we will continue to be here, for all, for the next 100 years.”

Although unable to attend the event, Rep Dan Kildee shared his support for the project. “The YMCA of Greater Flint has been critical to providing essential resources for mid-Michigan families, seniors and veterans. I am proud to have secured federal funding to help make this groundbreaking possible and to support the YMCA’s new community center,” said Congressman Kildee. “In Congress, I will continue working to bring federal resources back to our community.”

The project is estimated to be completed by Winter 2024-25.