Preliminary Renderings for New YMCA in Edenwald Revealed

A 50,000 square foot YMCA in Edenwald is coming and new, preliminary renderings were released today.

In a press release issued by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the facility will include two pools, full basketball court, and programming for residents of all ages.

Located at at 1250 E 229th Street across from Cardinal Spellman High School (my alma mater) and next to Edenwald Houses, The Bronx’s largest public housing NYCHA development, the facility will serve thousands of local residents.

The press release states:

“The Edenwald YMCA will create 100 new permanent jobs that pay a living wage, as well as 101 temporary construction jobs. As part of the de Blasio Administration’s efforts to expand economic opportunities to Bronx residents and families, the YMCA has also committed to a 35 percent minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) contracting goal for design and construction, and will engage in local hiring efforts through NYCEDC’s HireNYC program. Construction on the $58M development is expected to break ground this fall and be completed in 2020.

YMCA in Edenwald
Preliminary rendering for the planned YMCA in Edenwald/Via Marvel Architects and NYCEDC

The YMCA is also committed to ensuring that membership is accessible to families at all income levels. YMCA membership dues vary by location and are determined by the economics of the area. Membership and program fees are made affordable to residents at different income levels through YMCA’s Financial Assistance Program, and no one is turned away because of inability to pay.”

According to the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the development has entered the public approval process.

YMCA in Edenwald
Preliminary rendering for the planned YMCA in Edenwald/Via Marvel Architects and NYCEDC

During this process, local residents will be able to help shape what they want to see at this site and hopefully the Y will listen to the community wants and needs.

Construction is expected to break ground this Fall with a completion date by 2020 but according to The Architects Newspaper, “Before shovels can hit the ground, however, the planned YMCA has to go through Uniform Land-Use Review Procedure (ULURP), the city’s public review process.”

This definitely sounds like a win for the community but we’d love to hear more from you.

What do you think? Do you think this is the best use of this site?

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Ed García Conde

Ed García Conde is a life-long Bronxite who spends his time documenting the people, places, and things that make the borough a special place in the hopes of dispelling the negative stereotypes associated with The Bronx. His writings are often cited by mainstream media and is often consulted for his expertise on the borough's rich history.