Boothbay Region YMCA

Project Details

Architect + INTERIOR DESIGN

Knickerbocker Group

Consulting Architect

Gro Dev

Builder

Wright-Ryan

Photography

Trent Bell

Recognition

Maine Home + Design, November/December 2023

An essential community hub

Knickerbocker Group partnered with consulting architect Gro Dev and builder Wright-Ryan to meet the evolving needs of the Boothbay Region YMCA. The YMCA is a vital hub for the community, offering everything from swim lessons and pickleball games to meet-ups, camps, and fitness classes. Driven by a desire to update and expand its offerings, the renovation aimed to align the facility with the changing demands of its diverse user base.

Through a combination of market research, community needs assessments, and insights from the YMCA’s strategic planning process, a new vision emerged. The design team reimagined the space with expanded wellness facilities, a state-of-the-art educational kitchen, vibrant community rooms, a flexible multipurpose studio, upgraded restrooms, and a new welcome center.

The team at Knickerbocker Group collaborated with the Y to develop a master facility plan for our main campus and 67 acre day camp. With their leadership, we have amazing new spaces! I can’t say enough about Knickerbocker’s architects and construction management team, their attention to detail and design, along with their ability to provide creative solutions helped the Y achieve its strategic goals—welcoming atmosphere, improved efficiencies, increased capacity, and multi use spaces to meet the ever-changing needs of our community. Thank you with partnering with the Y, together we have made ‘a greater impact.’

– Andy Hamblett, Chief Executive Officer, Boothbay Region YMCA

Enhancing connectivity and comfort

Operational continuity was a paramount challenge as the project unfolded, with intricate planning required to maintain utility connections amid ongoing construction. A central focus of the design revolved around the creation of a new, inviting entrance and plaza. The exterior transformation features a spacious entry canopy and an atrium with transom windows, ingeniously built upon the existing infrastructure. Inside, the main entrance leads to an expansive lobby with an elegant linear wood ceiling and striking curved welcome desk accentuated by a word wall backdrop. The lobby connects to a lounge area in the southern wing, offering comfortable seating, a member-centric kitchenette, and a direct link to the field house’s track. Large storefront windows reconfigured the exterior wall, welcoming abundant natural light into the lounge. The use of acoustic ceiling clouds balances sound absorption and diffusion of daylight, maintaining an open, airy atmosphere.

Integrated fitness innovation

The project’s lower level witnessed a transformation of previously disconnected fitness spaces into a cohesive, open-concept design. Exposed-structure ceilings, direct and indirect linear lighting, resilient flooring, and an improved equipment layout strengthen functionality and aesthetics. Sustainability played a crucial role in the project’s vision. New rooftop mechanical units and a large solar array on the field house structure were integrated to boost efficiency and reduce energy demands. This ambitious project seamlessly marries architectural ingenuity with community-centric design, embodying a harmonious balance between preserving history and embracing the future. Its thoughtful approach ensures that the Boothbay Region YMCA will continue to serve as a vital hub for the community and years to come.