Aurora Family YMCA at Wheatlands

Working with the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver since 2013, the design team provided programming and initial design concepts to help the Y develop project parameters for a new facility in the Wheatlands neighborhood of southeast Aurora. Progressing through site rezoning, understanding site infrastructure and identification of workable project phasing, the Y began the formal design process in the summer of 2018. 

The design process started with a refined project masterplan to clarify project phasing. Phase I program elements include a six-lane competition pool, cardio and weight training areas including EGYM and a high-intensity interval training room, a fitness studio, a group cycling room, a Pilates Reformer studio, a teaching kitchen, an Adventure Zone, administrative spaces and locker rooms. 

Utilizing the site’s natural topography, the main entrance of the new facility is on the upper level, with larger volume space located on the lower level to minimize building massing in relation to the surrounding residential neighborhood. The upper level has views down into the pool area and to the front range of the Rocky Mountains beyond. The design incorporates the themes of “prairie,” “ranch” and “simple forms” that are found in the local neighborhood framework development plan. The building has 360-degree views with rooflines that match the Wheatlands neighborhood. The staircase to the lower level is a design highlight that was created with reclaimed box car floors for the steps and a custom fabricated steel guardrail with an airy geometric pattern. Lighting consultants added a playful take on tractor gears with yellow acoustical light fixtures above the front desk.

ARCHITECT OF RECORD

Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture

Denver, Colo.

AQUATIC CONSULTANT/ENGINEER

Water Technology Inc.

Fort Worth, Texas

PROJECT VENDORS