$10M awarded to YMCA to spur development in Historic Sistrunk
Mizell Center will be redeveloped to create new opportunities
Rendering courtesy of the YMCA
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The L.A. Lee Family YMCA, oldest YMCA in Broward County and serving the Fort Lauderdale community for over 70 years with diverse programs for all ages, was awarded $10 million dollars by the City of Fort Lauderdale Northwest-Progresso-Flagler Community Redevelopment Agency (NPFCRA) for the redevelopment of the first Black hospital, the Mizell Center, located at 1409 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311. The Fort Lauderdale City Commission voted in favor of the redevelopment project on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017.
Founded in the 1930s by Fort Lauderdale’s first Black surgeon, Dr. Von D. Mizell, the Mizell Center’s revitalization aligns with the NPFCRA’s goals and vision of pursuing the redevelopment of vacant properties, strategically redevelop large-underutilized sites, and create and implement area wide design guidelines. The NPFCRA provides a sustainable development plan that has a positive impact on the district and improves the lives of the residents, as well as attracts new visitors and developments to the area.
The YMCA has named the center L.A. Lee YMCA Mizell Center in order to preserve the community and center’s rich history. The YMCA will utilize the new development to expand current programs, engage the community in development of programs and services that meet their needs, and increase economic development in the community.
The new YMCA’s design is comprised of four floors, which will include child development and youth zones, outdoor play zone, gymnasium, wellness and aerobic space, theater, and retail and community offices spaces, which will increase job creation in the community. The YMCA’s purpose is to provide programs and services that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility that result in strengthening the foundations of the community.
For additional information about the NPFCRA, go to http://fortlauderdalecra.com/ or call (954) 828-6130.
