Site Reimagining

The Greater Austin YMCA is in the process of identifying the future use for properties to better meet emerging needs in the community. We call this process "reimagining."  

YMCA Centers take shape in a variety of ways, but one element consistent in all projects is collaboration. Whether we are creating an expanded vision for an existing YMCA center or repurposing an existing property to bring a Y to a new community, we rely on community collaboration with municipalities, counties, school districts, private developers and private philanthropies to bring that vision to life. 

We are committed to working together with local communities to create YMCA facilities that are responsive to their needs and make sense financially and strategically. 

Background

In 2022, the Greater Austin YMCA Metro Board of Directors approved the implementation of an evaluation of the TownLake YMCA property to identify its highest and best use, which creates new opportunities for how Y center properties can be reimagined to support communities. We continue to evaluate additional facilities and opportunities on an ongoing basis. Our goal is to ensure that any future use of sites continues to add value to the community.  

We will consider many options for reimagining sites — health and wellness, affordable housing, creative space, vocational and shared workspaces, mixed-use community centers, childcare facilities and educational gardens, for example — and will actively seek out ideas from our communities. Whatever the use, we will evaluate long-term solutions and strive to create options that best serve and enhance the surrounding community. To be sure that reimagining and repurposing for these sites are made in partnership with our communities, the Y will follow a framework including community input, site feasibility studies and board voting decisions. For more information on these areas, please click the buttons below. 

TIMELINE

We began the process of reimagining our facilities in 2022 as the Greater Austin YMCA addressed emerging needs in the community arising from the pandemic, in attempt to expand the scope of our services to the community. 

The following sites are currently in the process of or recently completed reimagining:

  • TownLake YMCA 
  • Schmetterling YMCA 
  • East Communities YMCA
  • Central Office – Completed 

Questions or comments should be directed to Sean Doles, Greater Austin YMCA Public Affairs Officer, sean.doles@austinymca.org.