Niles-Buchanan Family YMCA


Location - Niles, Michigan
Project - New Construction
Completed - 2006
Square Feet - 55,749
Construction Cost - $8,235,113

A 55,749 sf state-of-the-art recreational and fitness facility for the Niles-Buchanan Family YMCA. The new facility is located near downtown Niles, Michigan, along the scenic St. Joseph River. It features a 5,000 sf Fitness Center, high school-sized gymnasium, elevated Running Track (9 laps/mile) a Natatorium with 6-lane 25 yard competition pool and a warm water therapy/instructional pool; an Aerobics/Dance Studio; Locker Rooms; Family Changing Rooms; Drop-In Childcare; Preschool rooms; Multi-Purpose Meeting rooms and Administrative Offices. Lakeland Regional Health occupies 5,000 sf of dedicated space within the facility.

The image of the building recalls the rich, historic past of the city and the importance of the city’s train and rail industry with a contemporary adaptation of a turn-of-the-century train station.

A large arched window mimics the form of an adjacent stone railroad bridge while providing dynamic views of the St. Joseph River from the fitness center and elevated track. Materials and colors used were selected to blend into the downtown landscape. The main venues are open to the circulation concourse, exposing the daily activity to all entering its doors. A large, hand-painted mural by a local artist was salvaged from the old facility and incorporated into the main lobby décor. Light fixtures were chosen to enhance the image of an outdoor café, further emphasizing a streetscape feel within the building circulation spine.

Discussions with Lakeland Regional Health transformed the project into a joint use wellness facility incorporating space for outpatient physical therapy, rehabilitation, speech therapy, aquatic therapy and sports medicine. Both the YMCA and Wellness Center staff share the Therapeutic and Olympic-sized pools, as well as running track and fitness center. Patients make a natural transition from rehab to active YMCA members.

Niles-Buchanan Family YMCA


Location - Niles, Michigan
Project - New Construction
Completed - 2006
Square Feet - 55,749
Construction Cost - $8,235,113

A 55,749 sf state-of-the-art recreational and fitness facility for the Niles-Buchanan Family YMCA. The new facility is located near downtown Niles, Michigan, along the scenic St. Joseph River. It features a 5,000 sf Fitness Center, high school-sized gymnasium, elevated Running Track (9 laps/mile) a Natatorium with 6-lane 25 yard competition pool and a warm water therapy/instructional pool; an Aerobics/Dance Studio; Locker Rooms; Family Changing Rooms; Drop-In Childcare; Preschool rooms; Multi-Purpose Meeting rooms and Administrative Offices. Lakeland Regional Health occupies 5,000 sf of dedicated space within the facility.

The image of the building recalls the rich, historic past of the city and the importance of the city’s train and rail industry with a contemporary adaptation of a turn-of-the-century train station.

A large arched window mimics the form of an adjacent stone railroad bridge while providing dynamic views of the St. Joseph River from the fitness center and elevated track. Materials and colors used were selected to blend into the downtown landscape. The main venues are open to the circulation concourse, exposing the daily activity to all entering its doors. A large, hand-painted mural by a local artist was salvaged from the old facility and incorporated into the main lobby décor. Light fixtures were chosen to enhance the image of an outdoor café, further emphasizing a streetscape feel within the building circulation spine.

Discussions with Lakeland Regional Health transformed the project into a joint use wellness facility incorporating space for outpatient physical therapy, rehabilitation, speech therapy, aquatic therapy and sports medicine. Both the YMCA and Wellness Center staff share the Therapeutic and Olympic-sized pools, as well as running track and fitness center. Patients make a natural transition from rehab to active YMCA members.

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