David D. Hunting YMCA
Grand Rapids, MI
Year in Showcase: 2006
Project Description
A groundbreaking facility in several respects, the David D. Hunting YMCA is both the largest big city Y in the country and the first to seek and earn LEED™ certification. The Hunting Y received accolades from the panel for various other reasons, as well, particularly its tight urban siting that encouraged designers to build up and not out. The result is a dynamic, multilevel floor plan that both affords views of the Grand Rapids skyline to the east and creates exceptionally functional interior spaces.
Infused with energy and excitement, these activity spaces are physically and visually connected. It was no surprise to the judges, then, that users are naturally drawn to the numerous conversation areas placed throughout the facility.
Outside, glass curtainwalls combine with zinc panels and renaissance stone to express the image of a solid, long-term community landmark. This contrast between solidity and transparency establishes a kinetic experience enjoyed by individuals exercising inside as well as those passing through the busy intersection outside.
Judges' Comments
Well conceived and executed. The owner received great value in a very functional facility . hard to believe.
— Art Bodwell
Upper-level lobby/reception area offers great support for the six classrooms. I like the openness of the third-level activity areas. Clean, simple interiors are very pleasant.
— Chris Kastelic
This YMCA makes a strong statement. The sensible floor plan allows light to penetrate all areas, creating activity spaces that can be easily supervised.
— Anita Moran
Project Details
Architect of Record: Integrated Architecture; Grand Rapids, Mich.
Aquatic Design Engineer: Bill Robertson Pool Design;
Northville, Mich.
Funded By: Fund-raising campaign
and bond issue
Major Facility Components:
Dual fullcourt gymnasium; aquatic center; TeenZone; child-care center with outdoor playground; community meeting room with theater-style seating for 250 people; chapel; fitness testing facility; beginning exercise center; four group exercise rooms; 1.7-mile indoor running track; one squash and three racquetball courts; FitZone youth fitness center; two 30-meter climbing walls; cafe; and YMCA corporate offices.
Construction Cost: $20 million
Square Feet: 160,000
Occupancy: June 2005
Vendors
Aerobics Flooring:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Basketball Backboards/Supports: Porter Athletic Equipment
Basketball Surfaces:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Climbing Walls:
Entre Prises USA Climbing Walls
Divider Curtains: Porter Athletic Equipment
Elliptical Equipment:
Precor Inc.
Entertainment Systems: Cardio Theater
Exercise Balls: Thera-Band Products/Hygenic Corp.
Fitness Center Flooring:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Free Weight Equipment: Magnum Fitness Systems
Handicapped Equipment: Rehab Systems Inc.
Pool Chemical Control Systems: Chemtrol, Div. Of Santa Barbara Control Systems
Pool Cleaners/Vacuums: Aqua Vac Systems Inc.
Pool Cleaners/Vacuums: Smartpool Inc.
Pool Filters: Astral Products Inc.
Pool Gutters: Grate Technologies
Pool Lane Markers: Competitor Swim Products
Pool Sanitization Systems: Chemtrol, Div. Of Santa Barbara Control Systems
Pool Sanitization Systems: Stenner & Co. (G.H.)
Pool Scoreboard/Timing Systems: International Sports Timing
Pool Starting Blocks:
Paragon Aquatics, Div. of Pentair
Pool Surface:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Pool Water Play Features: Splashtacular
Rehabilitation/Testing Units: Polar Electro Inc.
Rowers: Concept2 Inc.
Scoreboards/Timing Systems:
Fair-Play Scoreboards
Stair Climbers:
Precor Inc.
Stationary Bikes:
Nautilus Inc.
Stationary Bikes:
Precor Inc.
Strength Equipment: Cybex International Inc.
Strength Equipment:
Nautilus Inc.
Stretching Apparatus:
Precor Inc.
Stretching Apparatus: True Fitness Technology
Track Surfaces:
Mondo USA
Treadmills:
Precor Inc.
Volleyball Nets and Standards: Porter Athletic Equipment
Wall Padding: Porter Athletic Equipment
