UC Board votes to fund design for YMCA renovation

Currently, it’s anticipated that an interior renovation of the building will be completed by Fall 2027, refitting the 17,000 square-foot building for student-centered activities and gathering spaces in a home-like atmosphere – a use that will echo the building’s original purpose when it first opened nearly a century ago (in 1929) as a Young Men’s Christian Association providing hospitality, social spaces and outreach activities.

The interior renovation will leave the building’s 1929 concrete, steel and wood façade intact – a façade that mimics an architectural style known as Collegiate Gothic used on many U.S. campuses in the first part of the 1900s. Many buildings making use of this style exist across the country (though the nation’s leading examples of Collegiate Gothic did not make use of such “modern” building materials as concrete or steel in the way the YMCA did).  

The building was already vacant when the university purchased it (for $621,500) in 2005 in  anticipation of programmatic needs for a growing campus. Now, having experienced more than a decade of rising enrollment, UC’s student body currently stands at 53,682.

“The reopening of the former YMCA building on our campus will allow us to not just preserve our past but also invest in our future by creating a vibrant new space for our students to relax, hangout and have fun together,” said UC President Neville G. Pinto. “Research shows that when college students feel connected through meaningful campus engagement, they are significantly more likely to succeed. The Why will serve as a vibrant home where Bearcats can recharge, create and grow together.” 

As a preliminary name, the renovated space will be called “The Why,” a reference to students and their success as the driver for the project. And students will contribute ideas to the renovation project when UC’s Division of Student Affairs hosts feedback sessions this fall in order to garner specific ideas for activities within the renovated space.

According to Nicole Mayo, vice provost for student affairs, it’s anticipated that the hub’s student-led programming will broadly consist of celebrations, entertainment, performances, games, wellness activities (like yoga), workshops and informal conversations. Mayo said the space will serve as a place where students connect and build community through these shared experiences.

“A good way to think about the space is as a campus living room,” said Monika Watkins, associate vice president for UC Planning, Design + Construction, adding that when complete, the renovated space will boast 3 stories (the same as with previous usage) and will preserve signature elements such as the building’s fire places and back terrace.

 The 1929 building was vacant and already in a neglected state when the university acquired it in 2005, exhibiting water damage due to leaking roof and burst pipes. Over the years, the university secured the structure’s integrity and weatherproofed, installing storm windows, making structural and roof repairs as well as masonry restoration in order to prevent water incursion, along with cleaning up and abating hazardous materials. 

Upcoming interior renovation will additionally require a completely new HVAC system, as the structure never had air conditioning and its steam-heating system requires replacement. The building will also require a fire suppression system, new electrical service and plumbing and will need to meet ADA requirements for accessibility throughout the building.