Expansion: Second and Jacob streets, 1913-1955
As it continued to expand as a non-sectarian meeting place for Jewish Louisvillians from different cultural and national backgrounds, the YMHA was quickly outgrowing its original home.
Under the leadership of president Benjamin Washer, a successful fundraising campaign began in 1913, and in 1915 the YMHA moved into a state-of-the-art new facility at Second and Jacob streets designed by Louisville Jewish architectural firm Joseph & Joseph.
The 1914 architectural plans by Joseph & Joseph reflect the YMHA's expanded efforts to provide educational and cultural programs to Louisville's Jewish community in addition to recreational amenities. The plans show the new building's facilities, including a library, classrooms, billiard room, and a two-story gymnasium with an elevated track. The drawings also indicate materials used, such as marble for the shower stalls in the basement.
Activities
At the Second and Jacob Streets location, the YMHA expanded its staff and programming, developed its orchestra and theatre programs, ran a monthly magazine called The Chronicler, and hosted clubs, sports leagues, dances, and summer camps.
Wartime
During World War I and World War II the YMHA served as a resource hub for soldiers stationed at Camp Zachary Taylor and later, Fort Knox, Kentucky. At the YMHA soldiers could find a place to stay for a weekend off the base, celebrate Jewish holidays, and connect with locals at social events.
