Incorporated in 2005 to serve a community of 20,000 residents, the Northfield Area Family YMCA found itself in a unique position. With no community center beyond a senior center in the city or gym space for youth outside of the two colleges in town, the Northfield YMCA’s new facility came together as a vision to serve generations of residents looking for a modern and dynamic facility that could also attract the families and employees that the city’s large and small employers needed.

Borrowing upon the best practices of YMCA centers across the nation, the final solution fulfills the community’s needs with a center that is modern, original, and open, allowing outside views into the facility’s energy and spirit. The Northfield YMCA brings together programming for aquatics, wellness, group fitness, strength conditioning, and team sports like basketball and volleyball in one location.

Holding true to its idea as a place for the community, the center also includes a multipurpose community room open to members and non-members alike, with a two-story glass curtainwall and fireplace providing a warm and inviting area for the community to enjoy and relax. In its first three months of operations, the Northfield YMCA welcomed more than 4,100 new people to its membership. Both the design and site gives the Y multiple options for expansion depending on needs.