Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth & Family Center

Based on recommendations for their Urban Initiatives Department, the Greaer Hartford YMCA (GHYMCA) prioritized development a small, community focused facility in Hartford’s North End neighborhoods.

JCJ provided full planning and early design services that enabled the GHYMCA to select an appropriate site within the Clay Arsenal Neighborhood Revitalization Zone of Hartford. Our team worked with the owner and neighborhood groups to build consensus around core program areas and design options that would make this new building a functional centerpiece for the community.

The facility includes a 3,000 square foot early learning and childcare center; a 1,200 square foot teen center; a 6,500 square foot fitness and wellness facility; 3,000 square feet of meeting space for parent and after-school programs and, a 2 ½ story climbing wall that is visible to the street.

The building sits along the busy Albany Avenue thoroughfare and has become a visible destination for the community. Sustainable features include a rain garden and two cisterns for storm water management and solar shading.