Upper Main Line YMCA

The YMCA of the Upper Main Line has a mission to be “the leading charitable community resource … dedicated to building healthy spirit, mind and body through programs and services that nurture children, strengthen families and build strong communities.” That mission was difficult to fulfill given the existing physical conditions. Years of incremental growth had resulted in a disorienting maze of classrooms, meeting space, exercise rooms and administrative space.
The new addition helped bring clarity to the chaos, unifying the functions of the facility and repairing disjointed circulation. Taking advantage of the dramatic transparent entrance, the design creates a sense of depth, and vibrancy was created by using color as an organizational element while also reinforcing the program identity.
The Y now is a beacon for the community, providing programs in aquatics, tennis, arts, health and fitness, dance and environmental education.
Affirming the belief that design improves daily life, attendance is up at the new facility. The number of programs and classes have increased greatly, introducing the Y to an expanded audience.

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