L.A. Lee YMCA Mizell Community Center

Client YMCA of South Florida
Services
  • Programming
  • Architectural Design
  • Master Planning
  • Construction Documents
  • Interior Design
  • Permitting
  • Contract Administration
Status Completed in 2022
Success A much-loved neighborhood institution is reimagined and repurposed to serve emergent needs for all ages, from preschool through seniors, offering programming for healthy living, educational and business development, youth and family care, and social responsibility. At completion, the L.A. Lee YMCA Mizell Community Center was the key element responsible for earning Fort Lauderdale recognition as a 2023 All-American City Hall of Fame Inductee.

L.A. Lee YMCA Mizell Community Center

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Architect of record for this project and long-time advocates and supporters of the YMCA legacy and community model, SRS has been involved with the South Florida organization for nearly two decades, from architecture to master planning to construction oversight, as well as pro bono work on an as-needed basis. For the first of three new proposed YMCA projects, SRS designed the new L.A. Lee YMCA Mizell Community Center located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale's African-American community. The iconic project expands outreach and provides a network of new services, spaces, and resources to address evolving community needs.

The four-story, 70,000 SF structure offers preschool programming and child care; two floors dedicated to wellness and fitness activities; a black box theater, youth zone, and rooftop terrace; and a fourth floor dedicated to educational goals presented by Broward College. Intriguingly, the ground floor level provides space for emerging entrepreneurs; eight retail bays to be leased for local businesses; a pharmacy and nurse-staffed clinic managed by Holy Cross Hospital; and a food hub offering fresh fruit and vegetables.

The crowning jewel is a 25-meter, five-lane outdoor swimming pool, the first such public pool in the neighborhood, featuring much-desired swimming programs for water skills, exercise, and water safety training for all ages.