Lawrence Expansion

Overview
GROWING TOGETHER
Naming Opportunities
Philanthropy
FAQs
Construction Updates
Photos
Events
Overview

THE LAWRENCE YMCA
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN AND STRATEGY

Lawrence Branch

Overview

This $6 million dollar multi-phased renovation and expansion will provide the community a modern, innovative space.  The resulting impact will be a facility that will increase the Lawrence YMCA’s capacity to offer essential programs and services needed in the community:

  • Promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility
  • Creating greater increases in membership and retention
  • Positively effecting member service, program delivery and financial performance

Objectives

These objectives guide the Association’s facility development:

  • Align Capital improvements with fundraising campaign efforts
  • Consolidate and enhance child care delivery to one location
  • Increase revenue in program & membership
  • Effectively separate user groups
  • Improve the functionality and performance of the Lawrence YMCA
  • Create a facility that amplifies our mission

Scope

The proposed project includes a total of 60,000 square feet, combining new construction, renovation, and refurbishment.  An expanded Y will have a larger community impact, allowing more members and participants to benefit from everything the Y offers, including:

  • Health & wellness programs & Nutrition education
  • Specialized fitness programs for people living with chronic illnesses related to obesity and other diseases
  • Dedicated space for age-appropriate activities for teens and younger kids
  • Inter-generational  & community meeting room where people of all ages can gather to learn, work and play
  • Expanded & enhanced adult wellness venues
  • Barrier free facilities accessible to all
GROWING TOGETHER
Here for Good

The Lawrence YMCA has a proud history of serving the community. The time has come to invest in its future Growing Together is a comprehensive overview of this renovation and expansion effort.

Naming Opportunities

Naming opportunities offer an exceptional way to make an impact. Leave a lasting legacy and help further our mission of making healthier lives achievable for everyone.

Download the PDF of the above to take a closer look 

Philanthropy

Why We Need an Expanded Y Now

Great communities have strong Ys that encourage good health, provide educational enrichment, foster connections through fitness, sports and fun and bring families closer together. The Lawrence community is no different; it is changing and developing rapidly. Working with business and community leaders as well as our members and friends, this vision for our new expanded facility will allow us to offer unparalleled recreational and social services to the Merrimack Valley community for years to come. Now is the time for you to invest. Click here for the latest updates to the campaign.

Donate today by downloading this Pledge Form or making your GIFT ONLINE.

Building a Better Us

This multi-year initiative and capital campaign will allow the Lawrence YMCA to make transformative changes and build additional resources to continue to enable us to strengthen communities through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

FAQs

How large will the facility be?

The proposed project includes a total of 60,000 square feet, combining new construction and/or the renovation and refurbishment of the existing space.

When will construction begin and how long will it take?

This project will take place in several phases.
Child Care Center space will be enhanced and relocated. CHILD CARE CENTER RENOVATIONS ARE COMPLETE!

The Welcome Center, Lobby, Intergenerational Room and Group Exercise Studio are complete.

The Wellness Center will be expanded to create a dedicated space to serve young people along with Lockers, Pool Viewing, Child Watch and an Outdoor Space.
Construction will be aligned with fundraising campaign efforts. Funding must come from the community – individuals, corporations, and foundations.

What will the new Y look like?

It will include a renovated state-of-the-art facility with a wrap-around, two-story, all-glass wing that is integrated into our current building.

What other enhancements will take place?

The following desperately-needed changes will provide an updated and expanded YMCA to the Lawrence community:

  • A relocated, enhanced child development center (COMPLETED)
  • An active learning center
  • An expanded wellness center
  • A renovated welcome center and lobby (COMPLETED)
  • Pool viewing area
  • Intergenerational room (COMPLETED)
  • Renovated men, women, and youth locker rooms
  • Family changing rooms
  • An outdoor walkway
  • Group Exercise Studio (COMPLETED)

Will the expansion affect programs during the build out phase?

We will continue our current programs with as little disruption as possible. Phasing building construction will have less impact on programs and classes.

Will the Wellness Center equipment be improved?

The Wellness Center will have state-of-the-art fitness equipment. Our staff has been reviewing the options regarding the layout. The space will overlook the beautiful Campagnone Common on the corner of Lawrence and Haverhill Streets.

What other health and safety benefits can I expect?

The building will be fully handicapped accessible. An improved and expanded facility will support our capacity to promote healthy lifestyles and address the health challenges facing the community as well as offer expanded programs addressing chronic illnesses affecting our population.

Will membership costs go up in order to support the expansion?

The Lawrence YMCA will adjust its pricing to meet the cost of doing business, but we are committed to doing so in a responsible manner. We will continue to make the YMCA accessible for everyone and remain committed to making sure everyone is welcomed at the YMCA regardless of their ability to pay.

With the increased size of the facility and will that shift our focus away from the mission of our association?

On the contrary, we are a non-profit charitable organization. Annually the Merrimack Valley YMCA provides more than $4 million in subsidized services and programs, most of which are in Lawrence. A vibrant Lawrence strengthens the foundations of community through healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility.

A renovated and enhanced Lawrence facility enables the Association to create and promote access to programs and innovations where they are most needed. The vast majority of memberships and services are free or offered at a reduced rate at the Lawrence branch.

What role does the community play in the expansion?

The YMCA is built on community. It is an essential part of everything we do. We have very strong partnerships and collaborations with local institutions, corporations, and other non-profits. Much of our success is due to these partnerships and many will be making significant contributions to the project. The community supports and benefits from the long-term viability of their YMCA.

How is the Expansion project being funded?

The entire project will be funded through fundraising efforts. To date the project has secured $3.6+ million in private funds from individuals, corporations, and foundations. A state grant propelled the investment in the completion of Phase I, the Child Care Center. The project’s cost is approximately $6 million.

How can I help?

We need your ideas, support, hard work, and contributions, in order to make healthier lives achievable for everyone. There are many sponsorship opportunities available and no contribution is too big or small. A gift to the campaign will support generations of YMCA members. All gifts secured will help the YMCA to gain confidence in the community’s ability to support the full scope of the project. All gifts made to this campaign are fully deductible as permitted by law.

It is our hope that donors will view the Expansion Project in its entirety and not the “sum of its parts.” Support for the project from MVYMCA leadership, membership, and the community is very strong and the MVYMCA is deeply committed to completing all facets of the expansion.

Can I share my stories and experiences with the Lawrence YMCA?

We are always looking for members to share their experiences with the Lawrence YMCA.  Please contact Veronica Reed at vreed@mvymca.org.

Construction Updates

Construction Update: 7/16/2019

The main hallway leading from the front desk to the locker rooms and to the pool along with the Men’s steam room will be open Tuesday, July 16 at 5:00am. The Women’s locker rooms will remain closed.

The pool is also now open.

Expected construction schedule from July 15-July 19

  • Monday, July 15 – Friday, July 19: new ceiling tiles and grid will be installed along with new lights, devices and sprinkler work.
  • Wednesday, July 17: The new fire protection system will be tested.
  • Friday, July 19: installation of the new flooring will be complete.

Construction Update: 7/9/2019

Due to construction, the main hallway leading from the front desk to the locker rooms and to the pool will be closed Wednesday, July 10 through Friday, July 12 from 6:00am-3:00pm. Crews will be removing existing ceiling tile and grid as well as flooring.
The pool will also be closed during this time from 6:00am-4:00pm.

Please note – access to this entire area will be limited.

Expected construction schedule from July 15th through July 24th
  • Monday, July 15 – Wednesday, July 17: new ceiling tiles and grid will be installed.
  • Thursday, July 18 – Friday, July 19: new lights, devices and sprinkler work will be completed.
  • Monday, July 22 – Wednesday, July 24: new flooring will be installed

Construction Update: 6/25/2019

• Due to construction, the women’s locker rooms will be closed for approximately two weeks beginning Monday, July 1, 2019. The renovations will include new flooring, new carpet tiles, new showers and a new ceiling.

• For the next two weeks, while the locker rooms are closed, the family changing rooms will be available for use.

Construction Update: 5/14/2019

  • Framing has begun in the Family Changing Rooms and the new space and flow of the rooms is beginning to take shape!
  • On Friday, May 17, 2019 and Monday, May 20, 2019 thru Friday, May 24, 2019 the pool will be closed from 6:00am-3:00pm. The pool will reopen on these days at 4:00pm and will be open regular hours during the weekend.
  • On Tuesday, May 31, 2019 the basketball court will be closed from 6:00am-4:00pm.

Construction Update: 4/30/2019

• As of Tuesday, April 30th, the men’s steam room will be shut down until further notice. A new concrete floor is being poured outside of the steam room. Once the concrete is dry, we will be tiling the floor. As soon as this upgrade is complete, we will reopen the steam room.

Construction Update: 4/22/2019

  • Construction has begun on the Family Changing Rooms and the Adelante Room. For those requiring the use of Family Changing Rooms during construction, the two public restrooms adjacent to the Welcome Center are available.

Construction Update: 4/17/2019

• On Thursday, April 18th, the pool will be closed until 3:00pm due to demolition and doors being moved in the hallway leading to the pool.

Construction Update: 4/12/2019

• Effective Wednesday, April 10th, the Family Changing Rooms are closed and will no longer be in use as we prepare for demolition in that area which is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 15th. For those requiring the use of Family Changing Rooms during construction, the two public restrooms adjacent to the Welcome Center are available.

• The small kit lockers that are located within the men’s locker room, all need to be emptied of all personal belongings and cleaned out no later than Monday April 15th. Those lockers not emptied by Monday, the locks will be cut and any contents will be put into a plastic bag with the cut lock and the locker number on it corresponding to the locker it was taken from.

• Monday, April 15th, to prepare for construction, protective poly sheets and tarps will be put onto the walls of the hallway leading from the front desk to the locker rooms.

Construction Update: 5/2/18

Demolition of the Welcome Center Desk in the main lobby begins Thursday, May 3rd. Although the Welcome Center desk will be removed, please continue to enter the building through the front doors as usual.

  • For member check in and information we will have a temporary desk set up in the lobby.
  • Access into the wellness area as well as the rest of the facility will be restricted to the right of the temporary desk as you approach it.
  • On Monday, May 7th the new flooring installation in the front lobby will begin.

Construction Update: 4/25/18

  • The 1st floor childcare administrative office area has been demolished (see pictures) and is being converted into to two unisex bathrooms. Completion date for that area is expected to be 5/19/18
  • The demolition and removal of the Welcome Center desk will begin 4/30/18
  • The Welcome Center and front lobby flooring will be installed from 5/3 -5/9
  • Painting of the Welcome Center and lobby will begin approximately the 3rd week of May (week of the 13th)

construction hatRenovations and construction of the Lawrence branch will be a continuous process. Updates on changes to programs, spaces, and facilities will be available on this page and in the Welcome Center. Please check often to stay informed on the latest developments.

Please trust that everyone associated with the Lawrence YMCA is grateful for your patience and understanding while this project continues. We are doing everything possible to minimize the impact on our members.

Thank you for your continued support.

Photos

Pool Viewing

Watch your child learn to swim from our new Pool Viewing area.

Boy's Locker Room

Fresh paint and plenty of lockers to accommodate young swimmers in the Boy’s Locker room.

Women's Locker Room

The Women’s Locker room is bright and fresh with new flooring designed for wet spaces.

Welcome Center

Our bright, open Welcome Center highlights the architectural beauty of this historic building with a modern twist.

Intergenerational Room

The Intergenerational Room is a modern, comfortable space where community members of all ages can converse and connect. Come in and check it out!

Group Exercise Studio

Members and guests can join us in our sunny, open Group Exercise Studio for yoga, Zumba and more. Visit our schedules page to find a class.

Child Care

Bright, modern preschool and after school classrooms are now open.

Events

Open House - October 10, 2019

Members of the community got the chance to see all of the changes that have been taking place at the Lawrence YMCA during an open house on Thursday, October 10, 2019. Guests had the chance to take tours to see recent renovations that have totaled $3 million. The newest improvements include new family locker rooms, enhancements to both the adult men’s and women’s locker rooms, new boys and girls locker rooms and a new pool viewing area. In addition to the tours, guests were invited to try a Zumba class, participate in free swim, or shoot some hoops in the gym.

Hard Hat Tour - May 23, 2019

The Lawrence YMCA hosted a Hard Hat Tour to kick off the start of the public phase of the capital campaign to raise funds for the renovation. The event, which took place on Thursday, May 23, 2019 featured remarks by Growing Together Capital Campaign Chairman Mike Mancuso and Building Committee Chairman Tom Childs, followed by informational Hard Hat Tours of the construction.

During his remarks at the event, Capital Campaign Chair Mike Mancuso urged supporters to spread the word about the renovation, the need for support, and the benefit to the community.

Hard Hat Tour of construction and renovation of the Lawrence YMCA

Welcome Center, Intergenerational Room & Group Exercise Studio
Ribbon Cutting- August 2, 2018

Members and supporters of the Lawrence YMCA celebrated the grand opening of the new Welcome Center, Andrew Chaban Intergenerational Room and group exercise studio.

Participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony were Lawrence Board of Directors member, Marko Duffy; Board of Directors Chair, Deborah Hope; Lawrence City Councilor Ana Levy;  Scott Cote of Pentucket Bank; Therese Leone of Enterprise Bank; CEO of Princeton Properties, Andrew Chaban; CEO of the Merrimack Valley YMCA, Gary Morelli; Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera; Board of Trustees member Mike Mancuso; Building Committee member Beth Smithson, Building Committee member Alan Hope;  Building Committee member Tom Childs; and Building Committee member Don Schaalman.

Lawrence Child Care Grand Opening - June 14, 2017

Childcare
Childcare
Childcare

ChildcareHundreds of Lawrence kids will be greeted each day by bright, modern preschool and after school classrooms at the Lawrence YMCA, unveiled in a ceremony June 14th. Deputy Commissioner for Administration and Finance/CFO for the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Bill Concannon joined YMCA officials for the celebration and ribbon cutting for the new facility, made possible in part thanks to an Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Grant of $800,000 from the EEC. Theresa Jordan, Director of Children’s Facilities Finance for the Children’s Investment Fund also spoke at the event. The Children’s Investment Fund partnered with the EEC to administer the grant.
The classrooms will serve up to 230 children in a secure, NAYEC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited preschool program as well as an afterschool program. Preschool rooms on the second floor are designed for learning and connected to a large common space, giving teachers the freedom to collaborate and offer special programs. The ground floor is home to the afterschool program, which is connected to the Lawrence Music Clubhouse and other multipurpose rooms, giving children the opportunity to explore interests, make new friends, and build self-confidence.
“The YMCA has a proud history of serving families in Lawrence. With this renovation and expansion, we have an unprecedented opportunity to improve and expand our services and influence the health and well-being of current and future generations of the City,” said Merrimack Valley YMCA President Gary Morelli.
The new classrooms are just the first phase of a planned $5.9 million renovation and expansion of the Lawrence YMCA, which is being funded by the HERE FOR GOOD Capital Campaign.

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