Enhanced Mental and Physical Wellness for the Community

This project aims to create a community hub in Grundy County, Illinois, enhancing both mental and physical health and wellness through a collaborative approach. The partnership between Morris Hospital and the Greater Joliet Area YMCA focuses on providing a continuum of care. The goal was to establish a dynamic space for intergenerational gatherings, a welcoming and safe environment for all ages, and to extend the reach of both the hospital and the YMCA through their strategic colocation.

The design of the community hub prioritizes connecting with nearby neighborhood amenities, particularly the city park adjacent to the east of the site. As a result, the building and parking are positioned towards the west end of the long rectangular site, creating a larger green zone between the new structure and the park. This green zone features outdoor amenities such as a soccer field and a picnic shelter, fostering greater connectivity between the outdoor spaces managed by the YMCA and the city park.

The project’s mission to expand wellness opportunities and the need to adhere to a tight budget necessitated a design that allows for future expansion. The building’s location enables efficient growth in areas prioritized by the YMCA, including community spaces, aquatic facilities, and additional space for Morris Hospital.

The site planning accommodates this future expansion without affecting parking and drive lanes established initially, reducing the amount of paving adjacent to the building and enhancing access and views of green spaces.