Raymond, NH-based Jewett Construction Co., Inc. (JCCI) broke ground on the new Exeter Area YMCA on September 16 in a ceremony attended by NH governor Maggie Hassan; Southern District YMCA executive director Rob McGregor; Exeter town manager Russ Dean; Terry Sullivan, chair, Southern District YMCA board of directors; and Victoria Arlen, Paralympic Gold and Silver Medalist.
JCCI and its design team, including Bruce Ronayne Hamilton Architects and the mechanical engineering firm of Environmental Design & Engineering, Inc., helped hone an early design into a facility promising to bring the community's generations together via a broad-range of activities and affordable programs.
"This kind of project is very close to my heart," said Craig Jewett, president of JCCI. "Over the years, we've built a number of family-oriented facilities in communities all across the state. It's rewarding and very important work, and something destined to benefit generations to come."
Phase One, an expansive, two-floor, 30,000 s/f design, features a cardio and weight room, group fitness studios, an indoor track running above a full-court gymnasium, a multi-purpose community room, locker rooms, and dedicated child watch room. An aquatic center planned for Phase Two, is currently in the design phase.