New YMCA in the Bronx to open spring 2003

Real Estate Weekly, Nov 13, 2002

A distinctive YMCA with extensive glass panels affording views of the Long Island Sound is under construction on a six-acre waterfront campus in the southeast section of the Bronx. The new 23,000-SF building will join an existing YMCA facility, located at 2 Castle Hill Ave., announced the YMCA of Greater New York. The new facility is scheduled for completion in Spring 2003.

A generous use of glass allows for the maximum flow of natural light into the facility, including a 25-foot glass lobby wall and large windows that capture not only the picturesque sites of the Long Island Sound, but also a view of the Whitestone Bridge.

Light-toned masonry complements the glass, with exposed steel support beams providing a contrast between the two.

Designed by Donald Blair Architects, the new $5.1 million structure includes direct access from the indoor pool to an outside deck covered by a canopy and a separate underground locker-room facility designed to accommodate the large summer camp program operated by the Bronx YMCA. The facility will house a six-lane swimming pool, computer center, classrooms, and state-of-the-art health and wellness center.

The existing 7,500-SF facility will be converted into a full-time teen center.

The Bronx project is part of the YMCA of Greater New York's $150-million Capital Redevelopment Program that will substantially upgrade 16 existing neighborhood YMCA Branches in the five boroughs of New York City and build up to three new facilities.

The Bronx YMCA serves nearly 8,000 children and more than 1,100 adults at the Castle Hill site and at 34 project sites located at various schools in the borough. Situated on six acres of waterfront property, the Bronx YMCA currently has a small fitness center, two outdoor swimming pools, and outdoor basketball and volleyball courts. New outdoor facilities are in the planning stage.

The $150-million Capital Redevelopment Program represents the largest such initiative undertaken by the YMCA of Greater New York over 70 years. The construction is being funded through a $50-million Capital Campaign for Kids, more than $14 million in government grants and $86 million from other sources. Leading the Capital Campaign for Kids fundraising effort on behalf of the YMCA is Stephen B. Siegel, chairman and chief executive officer of Insignia/ESG Inc., one of the leading commercial real estate companies in the United States.

The YMCA of Greater New York owns or leases approximately 2 million SF of space, including 20 branches, program sites in 200 schools, and three camps and two conference centers in upstate New York. The $150-million Capital Redevelopment Program will add 158,000 SF of new space and 223,000 SF of renovated space to the YMCA's facilities, bringing total holdings to nearly 2.2 million SF.

The expansion and renovation projects will enable the YMCA to reach ambitious goals for youth service. By 2005, the YMCA aims to serve one in every 10 New York City youths annually, totaling about 200,000 children and teens. The YMCA now serves nearly 170,000 youths and more than 190,000 adults each year.

In addition to recreational facilities, the Capital Redevelopment Program will ensure that each YMCA Branch has state-of-the-art computers; teen centers; health and wellness centers; and areas for tutoring, arts and cultural programs. Infrastructure improvements are also planned.