FRANKLIN—James L. Camp Jr. YMCA Board of Managers President Roland Jernigan—a YMCA member since the late 1970s—remembers when the facility had only a few free weights in the basement.

“We’ve come a long way,” Jernigan said Tuesday, one day before the opening of the Y’s remodeled locker rooms.

“It was a major renovation that was long overdue,” he said.

Also as part of the $1.5 million project, the hot tub was moved to behind the indoor pool and could opened by the end of the week after crews finish laying tile, said YMCA Branch Director Kathy Roberts.

The locker rooms and showers have been closed since June 15 for the estimated 90-day project.

“It has been hard, but the members have been fantastic,” Roberts said. “They’ve been so patient.”

The renovation includes new showers, sinks, vanities and lockers in the locker rooms as well as a new co-ed sauna and family changing areas.

“It will look completely different,” said Immediate Past President Jane Riddick-Fries. “I’m thrilled. I grew up in this ‘Y’ and it has been a long time coming.”

The complete renovation will be unveiled during a Chamber After Hours event hosted by the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12.

“I think the people who come will be very impressed,” Jernigan said.