A project that began with BWBR analyzing and completing a new master plan, the Southdale YMCA renovation and expansion brought back programming that a previous master plan did not provide, and it gave the highly-utilized Y branch a plan for staying open during construction. The ability to continue operations was a key component in the renovation plan since it allowed the branch to generate revenue used to help support some inner city branches whose revenue streams were not as great.

With a clientele that skewed to an older demographic, a major goal for the Southdale Y was to look new again, inside and out, to attract the young families moving into the market. Exterior renovations make the facility more inviting and visually exciting, while interior designs bring to life the Y’s new bold, colorful brand in an open and energetic environment. The expansion also helped the branch create a more controlled and monitored access point in and out of the facility, significant for the number of children served after the school day and when school is not in session.