YMCA

YMCA 2

What made the Eugene YMCA project stand out was its “realness” as well as the unique challenges it presented. The YMCA was trying to find property to relocate, as they didn’t think their current lot could support a new building. As an alternative to moving, our class did an investigation of the site’s potential for an entirely new facility, despite its small size and the clients ambitious list of “wants.”

Challenges

  • The national average lot-size for a YMCA is about 4 acres, and we had only .5 acres to work with.
  • 100% of the site was in use, with approximately 45% being used for the main facility, 45% for the indoor tennis courts, and 10% for parking.
  • The facility had to remain at least mostly operation during the entire construction process, which meant building in phases.
  • The current facility had only 12 parking spots. the YMCA needs at least 50
  • Required spaces included locker rooms, 3 squash courts, 1 full-size basketball court, weight lifting space, two pools (1 lap pool and 1 therapy pool), administration space, multi-purpose and fitness classroom space, at least 3 tennis courts, childcare, and storage.
  • The residential neighborhood on the east side of the site limited the maximum height to 35′ in some areas. Height limit was 50′ otherwise.

Opportunities

  • The soil was in good condition and bedrock was at least 10′ below the surface level which allowed for the tennis courts to be stacked on top of semi-submerged parking.
  • The current floor plan of the YMCA was inefficient and a reorganization of spaces could lead to much better flow, way finding, and lighting opportunities without actually using more space.
  • The existing tennis courts had a separate entrance. A centrally located lobby could provide the opportunity for a common check-in space and an enhanced sense of community between the tennis players and the rest of the gym.
  • All of the neighboring structures were low-lying, allowing for significant lighting opportunities
  • The West side of the site was along a main road, allowing for additional light access and visibility.
  • The East side of the site bordered an alley, making it the obvious location for access to services or large blank walls.

View of the front entrance

YMCA 1.1

1st floor

YMCA 1st Floor

2nd floor

YMCA 2nd Floor