Everett WA Family YMCA 

New Building, Bigger Programming

The Everett Family Y is determined to build a new, 65,650-square-foot facility in 2020 to replace its 100-year-old building. This change was as much about programming as it was the physical structure itself.

And what a change it has been. It speaks to a broadening of how this YMCA is integral to its community, a middle-income suburb. Gro worked with the local design and construction team as its programming consultant, therefore our role included designing the interiors to meet the many needs of Y members as well as partner groups. They include Big Brothers Big Sisters and a physical therapy clinic. The aquatics facilities – a 6-lane lap pool, plus an adjacent exercise class pool – that are shared with local school district swim teams.

This is a green facility, with attention paid to all carbon inputs in construction as well as to energy efficiencies to be appreciated as the building operates for decades into the future. Even the landscaping offers rain gardens and stormwater retention. Accessibility, which was greatly restricted in its former building, and connectivity to the community were design priorities throughout, inside and out.