NEW BEDFORD YMCA
Location: New Bedford, MA
Client: YMCA Southcoast
Project Type: Commercial, Renovation, Deep Energy Retrofit
Project Overview
The New Bedford YMCA, originally built in the 1970s before the advent of stringent Massachusetts building codes and the awareness of climate change, is set for a remarkable transformation. Facing prohibitive operational and maintenance costs, alongside extensive deferred maintenance issues, the YMCA aims to reinvent itself. The core program facilities—gymnasium, natatorium, and wellness areas—remain relevant, but the traditional locker room layouts need profound realignment to meet contemporary standards. Additionally, the YMCA plans to integrate an expanded Child Care program, increasing capacity to accommodate 220 children.
Key Objectives
Modernization: Realign and upgrade core facilities to meet contemporary demands and standards.
Expanded Child Care: Increase capacity for child care to 220 children.
Enhanced Accessibility: Improve accessibility, safety, and inclusiveness across the facility.
Sustainability: Achieve Passive House certification and net-zero energy operations.
Design and Renovation Details
Reimagined Entryway: Existing entrances, currently disjointed and uninviting, will be transformed into a welcoming "Y Street"—a vibrant community entrance and circulation spine. This area will orient guests and provide visual interactions with key programmatic spaces along a safe and accessible public way.
State-of-the-Art Locker Room Hub: At the heart of the facility, a redesigned locker room hub will expand accessibility, safety, and inclusiveness.
New Family Pool: Adjacent to the existing pool, a new and accessible family pool will be added.
Child Care Expansion: The facility will integrate an expanded Child Care program to serve more children and support the community.
Architectural Context
The New Bedford YMCA is situated in a unique site that blends urban and suburban elements. Drawing design inspiration from the local marine industrial port, the facility’s materiality reflects the historic New Bedford seaport. Despite its dense urban location, the site includes open spaces designed to enhance community engagement through outreach, education, and recreation.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
In alignment with the newly instituted Massachusetts energy stretch code, the renovated YMCA is designed to meet Passive House certification and achieve net-zero energy operations. Key sustainable features include:
Renewable Energy Systems: Utilization of geothermal and solar photovoltaic systems to power the facility.
Energy Efficiency: Implementation of advanced energy-saving technologies to reduce overall consumption.
Conclusion
The New Bedford YMCA renovation and expansion project represents a vision of equitable, ecological, and economic sustainability for the future of New Bedford’s larger community. By modernizing core facilities, expanding child care capacity, and incorporating advanced sustainable practices, the YMCA is set to become a hub of community engagement and wellness, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for all.
