Downtown Berkeley YMCA Renovation and Expansion

Berkeley, Calif.
Construction Cost: $5.7 million
Area / Square Feet: 34,900
Occupancy Date: October 2009

This seismic renovation and expansion of the Downtown Berkeley YMCA preserved the historic character of the building while updating multiple fitness spaces, rooms for aerobics and stretching, locker rooms and instructional swimming pools. An intermediate floor was added to the existing two-story gymnasium, creating program space for a new youth and family center. The 2,800-square-foot addition provided an interactive wellness center for youths 8 to 13 years old, and a family fitness classroom for circuit training and group exercise.

The renovation opened up the floor plan of all the fitness facilities, allowing tall existing windows to bring natural light into the interior of the building. Various wall and ceiling finishes, the product of various remodels over the years, were removed to reveal the building's brick and concrete, as well as wood floor joists and structural steel. The result provided additional floor space featuring a rich palette of exposed structural materials and accent colors. New finish materials, when necessary, were selected for durability, ease of maintenance and acoustic performance.

Energy-efficient lighting controlled by daylight and motion sensors, as well as efficient HVAC systems, were installed as part of the renovation.