The YWCA in Rock Island is working on plans to move to the former site of a downtown car dealership.
President and CEO Julie Larson says the Y bought the Zimmerman Honda property on 5th Avenue at 18th Street a year ago, because its current building is 67 years old, and needs many repairs. A new building would have room for all its current programs, plus space to expand its child care programs.
"When you do child care, you really need a facility that's built specifically for that purpose because of the regulations. That's one of the reasons why we are building new because it's very difficult to renovate space, existing space, for a child care center."
Currently the YWCA provides child care for 130 children a day, and in a new facility that number could grow to 210.
Larson says she just received a permit so demolition at the Zimmerman property could begin next month. Construction of the new, 9 million dollar facility could begin later this year, but she wants to make sure the Y has raised more of that total before breaking ground.
