Glen Ellyn, IL 

Renovation, Modernization, Revitalization Bring Community Enhancement

A lot can be said about the physical changes that take place when an organization’s real estate assets are strategically reordered, renovated, and refreshed. But despite the extraordinary amounts of material and physical work involved, the net result might best be measured by the emotions the modernization project evokes.

The 2023-2024 renovation of the B.R. Ryall YMCA of Glen Ellyn is a great example. Its circa-1965 structure had great bones, but functionally it needed to adapt to the needs that the community said it wanted. Through focus groups, surveys, one-on-one interviews, and market studies the mandate became clear: A newer YMCA, able to deliver specific programming for the community, was wanted.

Using the existing structure – including 10,000 square feet that had been underutilized – the reincarnation of this facility includes three new wellness studios, an expanded Wellness Center on two levels, a Teen Center (multipurpose rooms and a kitchen), an enlarged Kids Campus area, meeting rooms, a pool viewing lounge, a widened main hallway, updated locker rooms, ADA accessibility, a new steam room and sauna for women, and secured access to the preschool wing.

The emotional part is how this Y now provides safe spaces for teens, affordable and high quality childcare to families, senior health and wellness programs, community health initiatives, and an overall inclusive and welcoming environment. Aesthetics – finishes and furniture, including wall graphics branding and wayfinding – took this community hub from the 1960s to the 2020s.

We worked in partnership with the architectural firm Wight & Co. and project manager Patrick J. Brosnan, AIA NCARB LEED AP of Lopez + Brosnan Advisors, LLC. It was a fantastic and rewarding collaboration for Gro – particularly now that we know this Y added 500 new membership units since completion of the project.