posted on June 17, 2011 00:19
YMCA
of Austin this week began a $5.3 million makeover and expansion of its Town Lake location.
The TownLake YMCA downtown, which overlooks Lady Bird Lake, is being renovated to expand the atrium lobby, "Child Watch" program, cardio offerings, group classes and discovery zone for youth and teens. K.A. Hickman Architects was the designer and Austin-based Rizzo Construction was the general contractor.
Once complete, the YMCA will have additional communal areas, gym storage and an area for bleachers. Also, a new outdoor plaza and amphitheater will host classes, lectures and performances; and an overhauled HVAC system, efficiency glass and motion-sensor lights will save energy.
“People have strong emotions toward the TownLake Y," branch Executive Director Tiffany Patterson said. “We have gathered as much input as we can so that we can meet the widest range of needs. Our goal is to create a new focal point, not just for the Y, but for the entire Austin community.”
The TownLake YMCA will remain open during the renovation. The group announced system-wide expansion plans last year, which included about $5.4 million in projects at the Southwest Family YMCA.
6/6/11, Sandra Zaragoza, Austin Business Journal