Kraft Family YMCA

Nestled in a camp-like setting among rolling, wooded terrain, the Kraft Family YMCA is designed to be welcoming and inclusive while embracing the organization’s holistic approach to strengthening people and communities through mind, body and spirit.

From the vibrant information and service desk, members can view multiple activities on two levels behind glass walls and open railings. The main building currently houses two gymnasiums, two group exercise studios, multipurpose rooms for afterschool programming, a wellness center, a kids adventure center, locker rooms, staff office areas and an indoor walking/jogging track that encircles both the upper level of the gymnasiums and the wellness center. The facility — which also includes an in-house physical therapy wing that accommodates medically supervised physical therapy and rehabilitation — is designed for future expansion to include an indoor family aquatic center. Natural light floods the indoor track and main fitness areas, and color is used throughout the building to create vibrant, energetic, YMCA-branded spaces.

The outdoor aquatic complex includes a 165-foot-long fun slide, a lap pool, a zero-entry play pool and a bath house design with materials mirroring those of the main facility, further forming the YMCA’s campus setting. The complex will eventually include six buildings and offer outdoor recreational features beyond a typical YMCA — including hiking trails, a pond, playing fields and day camp shelters.

Judge's Comments

A major strength of the project is an open and clear configuration, resulting in a feeling of continuous interior space where the major program areas are visually and aurally connected. As important, the texture and detailing of the interior is consistently simple, robust and authentic.
— Vik Jaunkalns

The exterior is inviting and appropriate to the camp-like setting, while the interior uses just a limited palette of materials to bring life and energy to the facility.
— Bob McDonald

Well-designed and executed project on a limited budget. The YMCA is open, bright and colorful without being overbearing or trendy. One of the nicest lobby spaces of any of the submissions — well organized, welcoming and inviting.
— David Dymecki