We are reinventing ourselves ...

We’re embarking on an ambitious project to create a new complex with +130,000 square feet of space to support the daily lives of individuals and families, and meet the evolving needs of our multiple communities in Somerville and beyond.

A new era for Somerville

We’re embarking on an ambitious project to create a new complex with +130,000 square feet of space to support the daily lives of individuals and families, and meet the evolving needs of our multiple communities in Somerville and beyond.

A new Somerville Y for everyone.

Our goal is to have our new complex serve as a model for inclusive community engagement and impact.

We are designing the new Y to support learning, increase health and wellness, and foster belonging.

We seek to create a unique place that will support Somerville residents far in the future, so we can achieve our vision of creating and sustaining a more equitable, healthy, and vibrant Somerville for all.

A new Somerville Y 
for everyone.

Our goal is to have our new complex serve as a model for inclusive community engagement and impact.

We are designing the new Y to support learning, increase health and wellness, and foster belonging.

We seek to create a unique place that will support Somerville residents far in the future, so we can achieve our vision of creating and sustaining a more equitable, healthy, and vibrant Somerville for all.

O U R  G A M E – C H A N G I N G  V I S I O N

Our new +130,000 square-foot complex is designed to better reflect and meet the needs of our multiple communities, and support the Y’s extensive, always evolving programming. It will enable us to:

  • Create focused spaces to support youth development, workforce development, and infancy-to-workforce programming.
  • Actively address food insecurity through innovative and community focused initiatives aimed to provide consistent, nutritious food to families and individuals in need.
  • Significantly increase access to quality childcare.
  • Develop affordable housing units for renters, low-income populations, seniors, and veterans, while offering permanent supportive services such as case management, mental health support, financial assistance, and employment and educational resources.

  • Offer a wide range of fitness options and increase capacity for popular programs by creating facilities including an aquatic center, basketball courts, training rooms, studios, and an indoor track.

OUR GAME-CHANGING VISION

Our new +130,000 square-foot complex is designed to better reflect and meet the needs of our multiple communities, and support the Y’s extensive, always evolving programming. It will enable us to:

  • Create focused spaces to support youth development, workforce development, and infancy-to-workforce programming.
  • Actively address food insecurity through innovative and community focused initiatives aimed to provide consistent, nutritious food to families and individuals in need.
  • Significantly increase access to quality childcare.
  • Develop affordable housing units for renters, low-income populations, seniors, and veterans, while offering permanent supportive services such as case management, mental health support, financial assistance, and employment and educational resources.

  • Offer a wide range of fitness options and increase capacity for popular programs by creating facilities including an aquatic center, basketball courts, training rooms, studios, and an indoor track.

Let’s fulfill our promise.

Our goal is to have our new complex serve as a model for inclusive community engagement and impact.

We are designing the new Y to support learning, increase health and wellness, and foster belonging.

We seek to create a unique place that will support Somerville residents far in the future, so we can achieve our vision of creating and sustaining a more equitable, healthy, and vibrant Somerville for all.

Let’s fulfill our promise.

Our goal is to have our new complex serve as a model for inclusive community engagement and impact.

We are designing the new Y to support learning, increase health and wellness, and foster belonging.

We seek to create a unique place that will support Somerville residents far in the future, so we can achieve our vision of creating and sustaining a more equitable, healthy, and vibrant Somerville for all.

The Need

Our 120-year-old building, pictured here, is severely outdated, constantly in need of repair, and fails to meet the accessibility and capacity demands of our growing community. With over 5,000 people relying on our programs annually and increasing demand, a modern, fully accessible campus is urgently needed to address these challenges and support the evolving needs of Somerville.

While many details are still being finalized, our preliminary projections estimate the total cost to complete the future Somerville Y campus at approximately $150 million. Should the Y acquire an adjacent parcel to expand the project footprint, overall costs could increase by an additional $40 to $50 million. We are currently in the early stages of seeking foundational philanthropic support for this ambitious project. If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved, please contact Vladimir Benoit at; 

The Need

Our 120-year-old building, pictured here, is severely outdated, constantly in need of repair, and fails to meet the accessibility and capacity demands of our growing community. With over 5,000 people relying on our programs annually and increasing demand, a modern, fully accessible campus is urgently needed to address these challenges and support the evolving needs of Somerville.

While many details are still being finalized, our preliminary projections estimate the total cost to complete the future Somerville Y campus at approximately $150 million. Should the Y acquire an adjacent parcel to expand the project footprint, overall costs could increase by an additional $40 to $50 million. We are currently in the early stages of seeking foundational philanthropic support for this ambitious project. If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved, please contact Vladimir Benoit at; 

S O M E R V I L L E  Y M C A  P R O J E C T  T E A M

SOMERVILLE YMCA PROJECT TEAM

P R O J E C T  U P D A T E S

January 6, 2025

Virtual Neighborhood Meeting Held

November 26, 2024

Pre-submittal review meeting held with city

September 12, 2024

Zoning map change application approved by city council.

May 1, 2024

Filed zoning map change application. Application and additional materials can be found here: 24-0641

January 22, 2024

Exciting progress is being made in the planning and design phase. We have reviewed and discussed the initial program layouts, bringing us one step closer to our vision.

December 22, 2023

We welcomed Starrs Aligned, our new Capital Campaign Manager, to our dedicated project team! Their expertise and passion will greatly contribute to our success.

November 16, 2023

We are thrilled to announce the addition of an Affordable Housing Consultant, Peter Munkenbeck to our project team. Peter’s invaluable knowledge and experience in the tax credit market space will play a significant role in our financing efforts.

November 15, 2023

Our collaboration with the talented architects at Stantec has begun! We have initiated biweekly meetings to brainstorm and refine our plans, guaranteeing an innovative and well-designed outcome.

October 31, 2023

Exciting news! We have acquired the neighboring property at 136 School Street, expanding our project’s potential and creating even more possibilities for our community.

PROJECT UPDATES

November 26, 2024

Pre-submittal review meeting held with city

September 12, 2024

Zoning map change application approved by city council.

May 1, 2024

Filed zoning map change application. Application and additional materials can be found here: 24-0641

January 22, 2024

Exciting progress is being made in the planning and design phase. We have reviewed and discussed the initial program layouts, bringing us one step closer to our vision.

December 22, 2023

We welcomed Starrs Aligned, our new Capital Campaign Manager, to our dedicated project team! Their expertise and passion will greatly contribute to our success.

November 16, 2023

We are thrilled to announce the addition of an Affordable Housing Consultant, Peter Munkenbeck to our project team. Peter’s invaluable knowledge and experience in the tax credit market space will play a significant role in our financing efforts.

November 15, 2023

Our collaboration with the talented architects at Stantec has begun! We have initiated biweekly meetings to brainstorm and refine our plans, guaranteeing an innovative and well-designed outcome.

October 31, 2023

Exciting news! We have acquired the neighboring property at 136 School Street, expanding our project’s potential and creating even more possibilities for our community.