This facility is the culmination of a long quest by the North Austin Community to gain a much needed civic center for this diverse neighborhood. It also has become a shining example of the benefits of public private partnerships, as demonstrated by the City of Austin and the YMCA.
The project was conceived through the lens of a parent’s eyes, creating a place for healthy kids and families in an open and inviting environment offering safety, education, and companionship for all the members of this community.
The facility was designed to create a strong civic street presence while maintaining an open and inviting appearance. The building is a composition of textured concrete forms woven together with expanses of glass that enables pedestrians to view the activities inside the building and allow for natural light to filter deep into the spaces. A grand stair cantilevers from a textured concrete wall leading members from the central lobby to the second floor exercise areas.
See the positive effects of this facility in the YMCA video.
Location, Austin, Texas 2012
Scope, Community Center, 34,000 s.f.
Program, Teen Room, Computer Lab, Community Lounge, Gym, Yoga & Aerobics, Children's Area, Exercise Areas, Meeting Rooms, Pool
Services, Architecture, Programming, Interior Design
Certifications, LEED Silver
Client, YMCA & City of Austin
Team, Milton Hime, Robert Byrnes, Lee Ann McClanahan
Awards, IIDA Texas/Oklahoma Chapter - Best in Show and Institutional Excellence in Design, 2014