Steve & Sally Stavro Family YMCA
Toronto, Ontario
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Aquatic Centre (4-Lane 25m Lap Pool, Fitness Pool with Moveable Floor, Hydrotherapy Pool, Changerooms), Gymnasium, Fitness Conditioning Space, Multi-Use Studio, Multipurpose Rooms, Meeting Rooms
The project is a model urban development both in that it is multi-use and multi-tenant and in how the building deftly negotiates the constraints of its tight site. Located in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood, the YMCA formed a partnership with a local developer who consolidated the existing land with adjacent sites. The project puts the YMCA on the ground and lower levels of the new building, with four-storeys of residential units above.
The 64,000-sf YMCA is densely organized over two stories, but its planning and bold colourful graphics produce a sense of welcome.
Locating the aquatics hall and gymnasium below grade with high clerestory windows along Kingston Road make their activity visible from the sidewalk. Strategically located patterned frit filters both natural light and views, providing a sense of security and comfort.
