BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Houston Texans YMCA

Located at at 5202 Griggs Road at Martin Luther King Boulevard, the Houston Texans YMCA is a partnership that benefits the players, the Y, the community and its youth.

One foot planted in a rich past, the other in a promising future

Located in a storied, historic neighborhood in Houston's Greater Third Ward community, the Houston Texans YMCA (5202 Griggs Road at Martin Luther King Blvd) is the first YMCA facility in the country to be named after a professional sports team. The facility's relationship with the team extends well beyond the name on the outside of the building. Houston Texans football players participate in programs at the Houston Texans Y that directly impact the greater Third Ward neighborhood. It is a partnership that benefits the players, the Y and, most of all, the community and its youth.

Quentin R. Mease, whose name and image grace the welcome center at the Houston Texans Y, was a civil rights pioneer and community leader in Houston. Mr. Mease was instrumental in getting the South Central YMCA built in the Third Ward in 1955. The South Central YMCA played a primary role in the peaceful desegregation movement of the '60s and was a vital community center for Houston's African American population. When the South Central YMCA closed, many in the community feared their local treasure would be forever lost.

With the creation of the Houston Texans Y, the spirit and legacy of the South Central YMCA lives on. The Houston Texans Y is committed to the betterment of its community via programs geared toward health and wellness, youth development, personal enrichment and recreational activities. In addition, the facility serves as a gathering place for all.

"People are happy the YMCA built such a nice facility here," says Priscilla Graham, community executive director of the Houston Texans Y. "We are proud to be a part of the revitalization of this community."

A warm and welcoming building full of natural light from skylights and windows, the Houston Texans Y is the first LEED Gold certified YMCA in Texas and one of only 11 in the nation. The health and wellness center has the latest exercise equipment, FitLinxx system for tracking workouts, an outdoor pool and spray park, wifi in the lobby and group exercises such as the popular night club cardio class.

With its forward-thinking design and a strong commitment to the history of its community, the Houston Texans Y is sure to be an important prt of the greater Third Ward for generations to come.

See how the Houston Texans YMCA Celebrates the Past