$5M renovation to downtown YMCA to get underway soon

YOUNGSTOWN — The Central YMCA formally announced at a news conference today plans for a $5 million renovation project at its North Champion Street facility downtown.

The project, slated to begin as soon as a financing deal closes in a few days, will replace part of the building's exterior with large, westward facing windows.

The basement, first and second floors will get upgrades. The second floor will be the site of an aerobics and fitness center.

Project leaders say the project aims to open up the facility to more natural lighting and make it more easily navigable.

"We want this renaissance of our building to propel us into the next generation of service," said Timothy Hilk, CEO of the Youngstown YMCA.

The building will remain open during construction, which is expected to last about 10 months.