Not your average YMCA,? in the words of one judge, the Boll Family YMCA is intended to be a catalyst for the re-energizing of Detroit?s downtown. Utilizing an architectural expression that features a series of ?boxes? stacked upon one another and held together by vertical seamed-metal panels, the building boasts glass curtainwall throughout to allow views of the many activities. The wellness box is stilted on narrow concrete columns above the building?s entrance, while the natatorium is placed a half-level below the entrance and is clad with ground-faced concrete block at street level. The judging panel took note of the interior?s interesting mix of materials ? metal panels, glass, brick and ground-faced concrete block ? which, along with a variety of colors, are used to distinguish various programming spaces. From the lobby, a number of areas on multiple levels can be seen, including the black-box theater behind lighted glass, a climbing wall, the members? lounge, and a caf? and reception desk.
Judge's Comments
The three-story solution is unique for this
type of building. Even though site space
was at a premium, retaining some open
space is a great way to provide a sense
of entry and community.
— John Linstaedt
This project does a beautiful job of
stacking spaces vertically, thereby relating
to the urban context.
— Tom Betti
A compact and urbanely appropriate
design solution; it could have been a
windowless fortress, but instead
advertises to the city the importance
of YMCAs.
— Erik Kocher
California State University, Fresno Student Recreation Center
