The University of Rochester partnered with the Carlson Metro Center YMCA (YMCA) to create the Downtown Health and Wellness Center to expand its downtown campus and establish increased community engagement through providing services to an underserved community. A study was conducted around the downtown area and the YMCA, located at 444 East Main Street, Rochester, NY, ranked among the highest as best positioned to serve the targeted population.

Lu Engineers was retained as a subconsultant by the University of Rochester to provide environmental and design support for the repurposing project at the Carlson Metro Center YMCA. The University of Rochester planned for major renovations to the existing health facility, which included complete repurposing of the interior and exterior areas of the 100,000 square foot facility, to provide services to an underserved Rochester community. Lu Engineers was responsible for design support for this project, including updating the Regulated Building Materials Survey based on design solutions, schematic designs, design development, preparing construction documents, bidding, and construction administration.

Lu Engineers continues to work with the University of Rochester on development plans and design documents for their 2023 redevelopment.