By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The YMCA of Rock River Valley on Wednesday celebrated the start of a $2.9 million project to transform the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd into the Good Shepherd YMCA.
The new branch, which is at 1829 N. Rockton Ave. across the street from West Middle School, will have a fitness center and exercise studio, a multiuse gym for basketball, pickleball and interactive gaming, a technology room, a maker space, an art and dance studio, fully-equipped kitchen and a sensory space.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our community’s journey toward growth, inclusion and empowerment,” said Kamrin Muhammad, the Y’s executive director of college and career readiness. “As we stand in what was once a sanctuary, we envision a future field with boundless opportunities. This space, once ceremonial and serene, will soon transform into an area of vibrant activity as our new multipurpose gym.”
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The Y will also expand its “Molina’s Closet,” which provides toiletries and household items for local youth and families.
The Y initially partnered with Good Shepherd in December 2020 to provide youth programs in the space. It was considered an ideal location because youth could walk to the program after school.
“It didn’t take long to realize this space was a YMCA in the making,” said Skip Trotter, chairman of the YMCA’s board of directors.
West Middle School Principal Taren Turner said the Good Shepherd programs have become an extension of school. Aside from fun and recreation, students receive tutoring and homework assistance, and they have a place to get mentorship from a caring adult.
“Our families first appreciate that this is a safe space for their children,” Turner said. “Having their children come to this location after school gives them a peace of mind that they know their child is going to be nurtured, going to be invested in. …
“It’s become a staple in the lives of our students and families.”
The building was donated to the Y in December 2022, and the Y began fundraising to pay for the renovations. It was helped by a $750,000 federal grant secured by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and $1.1 million in state funding secured by state Sen. Steve Stadelman and state Rep. Maurice West.
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Rick and Lana Engen also provided a lead gift toward the fundraising campaign, said Michelle Gorham, the Y’s chief advancement officer.
The project is part of the Y’s $15-$20 million capital campaign that also includes expansion and improvements to the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA in downtown.
Mayor Tom McNamara said the new Y, and how it will benefit the lives of local youth, is another example of how the Y lives its mission beyond being a place to exercise.
“They have already turned this place, and they will continue to turn it, into one that is truly welcoming, welcoming to all. One that is full of life and full of love,” McNamara said. “We are a better community because of the work that the YMCA does.”
Good Shepherd’s small congregation still gathers in a smaller fireside chapel on the site.
“For decades, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd has been a small congregation in a large building,” said the Rev. Eric Lemonholm, pastor of Good Shepherd. “We realized we needed partners to share this underutilized but beautiful space.”
Hagney Architects and Schmeling Construction are leading the project to renovate the 24,000-square-foot space. Construction is underway now and is expected to wrap up later this summer.
Photos | Good Shepherd YMCA
Here’s a look at renderings from Hagney Architects on how the future Y will look, as well as more photos from Wednesday’s event.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas