When Evan and Emilee Jorgensen moved their family from Ames to Boone, they quickly recognized something missing in the community they were excited to call home.

While Boone offered strong outdoor recreation opportunities — from Ledges State Park to area bike trails — they saw a gap when it came to indoor spaces for families, wellness, and community connection, especially during Iowa’s colder months. That observation sparked an ambitious idea: bringing new life to the former Boone YMCA building through what is now Boone FLEX.

A Building with Deep Community Roots

The former YMCA had sat vacant for nearly five years when Evan and Emilee purchased the property in 2023. Evan recalled “The building really looked like they turned off the lights and walked away one day, leaving a noticeable void in the community.”

Rather than simply restoring what once existed, the couple saw an opportunity to reimagine the facility entirely. Through extensive renovations, they modernized the layout while preserving familiar features that generations of Boone residents remember, including the original brick and gymnasium. “We realized there was a lot of square footage that wasn’t being used effectively,” Evan explained. “By redesigning the layout, we were able to create a much more modern and functional facility for families.”

More Than a Gym

Inside Boone FLEX, members now find a full fitness center, dedicated group fitness and spin studios, a teen room, event and café-style gathering spaces, and a 19-foot indoor play structure for children. “There’s something here for everyone — grandparents, parents, teens, and little kids,” Emilee said. “We often describe Boone FLEX as way more than a gym.”

Since opening in April, the facility has seen strong community interest. For many residents, Boone FLEX is more than a new amenity — it is a familiar place brought back to life. Generations remember learning to swim there, attending school dances, or bringing their own children to the YMCA years ago. “People have such a sentimental attachment to this building,” Emilee shared. “Once they come in and see what we’ve done, they’re really excited.”

Now, the focus has shifted to growth, with the couple encouraging residents to experience the space firsthand. “We really want people to stop by and take a tour,” Evan said. “Once you see it, it clicks. There’s so much more here than people expect.”

Built on Vision and Experience

Before Boone FLEX, Evan and Emilee had already built experience managing large-scale redevelopment projects through their multifamily real estate portfolio, including the conversion of a former fraternity house into apartments. Their combined professional backgrounds — Evan in hospital operations and IT leadership, and Emilee in manufacturing, data, and project management — helped prepare them for the complexity of the project.

“Evan is very analytical and loves solving problems,” Emilee said. “I’m probably a little more on the creative side. We make a good team.”

That balance carried through every phase of the project, from construction planning and permitting to long-term operational strategy.

A Trusted Local Financial Partner

When it came time to secure financing for Boone FLEX, Evan and Emilee knew they wanted a local partner that understood both the community and the vision behind the project. They partnered with MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union for what became the credit union’s largest commercial project to date, a decision rooted in local relationships and shared understanding of the community.

“It really came down to relationships and local understanding,” Evan explained. “With a project like this, it was important to work with someone who knew the community and understood why this mattered.”

Evan noted that the process was smooth from the beginning, with MEMBERS1st’s responsiveness standing out throughout the project. “The team at MEMBERS1st was incredibly responsive,” he said. “Honestly, this larger project was easier than some smaller projects we’ve done elsewhere.”

Beyond financing, the couple valued the credit union’s visible presence and engagement in the Boone community throughout the journey. “They’ve been true partners,” Evan shared. “They’ve shown up to events, supported us publicly, and stayed engaged with what we’re building here.”

Looking Ahead

The couple continues expanding offerings with new programming, wellness amenities, and partnerships designed to better serve families and enhance the member experience, including red light therapy, and expanded fitness programming launching later this year. Long-term, reopening the indoor pool remains a key goal. “We want to keep earning our members,” Evan said. “We’re focused on continuing to improve the experience and give people more reasons to stay connected here.”

For Evan and Emilee, Boone FLEX is about more than fitness — it is about creating a space where the community can gather, reconnect, and grow.

If you would like to learn more about Boone FLEX, visit  BooneFLEX.com or stop by for a tour M-F 6am-6pm, Saturday 8a-4pm, or Sunday noon-4pm.