Boise, ID

Downtown Boise YMCA

As the Boise downtown YMCA prepares to move across the street, it's not just changing locations—it's stepping into a new era.

Built in 1972, the current facility has long served the community’s social, physical, and educational needs. But a modern, forward-thinking structure can elevate that mission, serving both present and future generations more effectively. When Gro partnered with the YMCA leadership, our analysis revealed an exciting opportunity: build a cutting-edge facility nearby, funded in part by selling the existing property. This new Y will also act as a catalyst for housing development, including affordable and senior housing, through partnerships with public and private entities.

This transformation exemplifies what happens when an organization takes a hard look at its facilities and real estate assets, aligning them with its mission and community needs.

Gro’s design embodies openness and community connection, with large windows and a striking glass-box entry that invites everyone inside. The new YMCA will feature a wellness clinic, early childcare center, family adventure zone, STEM-focused teen center, group exercise studios, a gym, an expansive aquatic center, community kitchen, multipurpose room, and a THRIVE Center with sensory spaces for neurodivergent members.

This bold vision is more than just a building—it’s a beacon for growth, wellness, and opportunity, designed to serve the Boise community for generations to come.