The Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation (the Foundation) is proud to announce the purchase of the former Bethesda Corporate Center and 90 adjacent acres along the Rock River on the city’s south side.

Why are we investing $16+M in the collective and campus?

This is an exciting next step toward the Foundation’s vision of vibrant communities where everyone enjoys health and wellbeing.

What are the benefits to families, agencies and the community?

• Families: 126 new, high-quality early care and education slots; convenient access to variety of support services

• Children: Five-star learning environment to prepare them for success at school
• Agencies and nonprofit service providers:
• Reduced operating costs (economies of scale, stable and affordable office space, shared services)
• Broadened capacity, impact and sustainability (resources, professional development, collaboration and operational support)
• Community: Vibrant new civic spaces; access to wellness programming with Express YMCA; future development of neighborhood to address housing shortage
• Civic-minded entrepreneurs and businesses: Innovation coworking space for community changemakers
• Volunteers: Coordinated approach that connects them with a variety of agencies

Who are the co-investors? Who are the tenants?

• Jefferson County and Dodge County have each allocated $200,000 and the City of Watertown has allocated $400,000 to support The Collective’s goals of increasing access to quality child care across the region
• Watertown Area YMCA: New Child Care and Early Education Center and satellite Express YMCA in 2023 (complements current YMCA); future relocation with a new, full facility YMCA
• Jefferson County Head Start, AbleLight (formerly Bethesda), Community Action Coalition, Safe Families for Children, and Jefferson County Human Services.

When will things happen?

• August, 2022: Purchase property; begin remodeling The Collective
• Fall, 2022: YMCA capital fundraising campaign; Master Planning process for future neighborhood development
• Spring, 2023: The Collective opens
• 2024: Housing development begins
• TBD: New YMCA is built (ideally 2025-2026)