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Central YMCA of Youngstown unveils plans for $5M renovation project
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The Central YMCA unveiled plans for a project that leaders described as a “renaissance” of the downtown facility.
YOUNGSTOWN
The Central YMCA unveiled plans for a project that leaders described as a “renaissance” of the downtown facility.
The project, slated to begin as soon as a financing deal closes in a few days, is a $5 million renovation of the facility at 17 N. Champion St. that’s served Youngstown YMCA patrons for 100 years.
YMCA representatives said it’s the first major renovation project at the site in nearly 50 years.
“We want this renaissance of our building to propel us into the next generation of service,” said Timothy Hilk, CEO of the Youngstown YMCA, at a Wednesday news conference.
The three-floor renovation will replace part of the building’s exterior with large, westward-facing windows. Fitness areas will move to the second floor, while the first floor will be used as a social area.
Gregg Strollo, whose firm, Strollo Architects, Inc., designed the project, said it aims to open up and brighten the space with more natural light.
It also will make the building more easily navigable.
“It will make it much more accessible to every kind of person,” said Mike Shaffer, Central YMCA executive director. The renovation also will allow the Central Y to expand its selection of fitness classes and youth programs, he said.
“Now, families will be able to bring their kids of any age and feel like there’s a lot more to do,” he said. “[The Central YMCA] is a gem, and we need to keep it strong and vibrant. That’s the driving force behind this renovation.”
Thomas Gasce, Youngstown YMCA board of trustees chairman, said the vision for the renovated facility first began to take shape about four years ago. At that time, YMCA leaders identified the project and expansion into western Mahoning County as priorities. The YMCA is working to raise money for an Austintown facility.
The Youngstown YMCA also operates the Davis Family YMCA in Boardman.
Vindicator archives also show the YMCA ran a location on West Federal Street 11/2 miles from the Central Y for 43 years for members of the black community, as they were not permitted to use the central location. That location remained in use until 1974. The building now houses the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley.
Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel and Mayor John A. McNally, who spoke at the news event, emphasized the connection between the YMCA’s renovation and ongoing revival efforts downtown and on the university campus.
The facility will remain open during construction, which is expected to last about 10 months and will be done in phases. There will be occasional class changes and building-access restrictions, officials said.