Facility Renovation Project

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Exciting news! The B.R. Ryall YMCA will undergo an extensive $12 million renovation project. This project will transform our existing Y into a vibrant facility with flexible program spaces to address community needs—enabling the Y to expand its impact now and in the future. 

The project will repurpose 10,000 square feet of unutilized and underutilized space to create more adaptable program areas, increase ADA accessibility, upgrade mechanical and HVAC system efficiency, and put the Y in a position of success for the next 20+ years. By repurposing spaces within the existing building, the Y will create a state-of-the-art facility at one-third the cost of a newly constructed facility.

In preparation for the renovation, the Y purchased the building next door at 26 Newton as a temporary program space. Following the completion of the renovation, the space will be used for wellness programming. 

The Vision

For over a century, the B.R. Ryall YMCA of Northwestern DuPage County has been dedicated to improving the physical, mental, and emotional health of community members of all ages. We work to strengthen families, support children’s potential, keep seniors active and engaged, collaborate with other organizations, and promote self-care and community involvement.

However, our current facility was designed for past generations and limits our ability to address the current and future needs of our community. To continue fulfilling our mission, we require more flexible space and partnerships to realize our vision for a better future for children, adults, seniors, and families in our area.

What does the project include:

  • Three new Wellness Studios
  • Two levels of expanded Wellness Center space
  • New ALIVE Center for teens, which will include 2 multipurpose programs rooms and a kitchen
  • New and enlarged Kids Campus area
  • Intergenerational room/lounge for teens and seniors
  • New dividable multipurpose room for meetings and programs
  • Several gathering areas/lounges for socialization
  • Bathrooms in the rear of the facility
  • Pool viewing lounge
  • Widened main hallway with sightlines into program areas
  • Updated locker rooms, all on the lower level, offering improved ADA accessibility, private changing areas and shower stalls, and the addition of a new steam room and sauna for women
  • Secured access to the preschool wing
  • Addition of flexible Wellness space at 26 Newton

The Y’s Board of Directors and staff have taken necessary steps to ensure a successful capital campaign by already securing $10 million of the $12 million needed for the project, including a $2 million Federal grant thanks to Congressman Sean Casten and an anonymous $5 million donation. The Y is asking for community support to raise the last $2 million in funding.

As plans become final, we will update you on progress and impacted areas through email and our website.

Identified Priorities

Through one-on-one interviews with community stakeholders, a market study, focus groups, and surveys, the Y identified five community priorities. The feedback shared, coupled with space and layout constraints realized during COVID, reinforces the need for welcoming spaces for community members. In addition, spaces must be multifunctional and adaptable for program use.

  • Safe Spaces for Teens/Teen Mental Health
  • Affordable Quality Child Care
  • A Welcoming Place for ALL in our Community
  • Senior Health and Well-Being
  • Community Health

Interested in supporting this project?

If you wish to learn more about opportunities to contribute to this exciting project and the future of the B.R. Ryall YMCA, please get in touch with Rob Wilkinson, CEO, at [email protected]

Every size and type of donation counts! Help your community by donating today!

YMCA Facility Renovation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The project will transform the existing Y into a vibrant facility with flexible program spaces to address community needs, so the Y can expand its impact now and in the future.

Through one-on-one interviews with community stakeholders, a market study, focus groups, and surveys, the Y identified five community priorities: Safe Spaces for Teens/Teen Mental Health, Affordable Quality Child Care, A Welcoming Place for ALL in our Community, Senior Health and Well-Being, and Community Health. The feedback shared, coupled with space and layout constraints realized during COVID, reinforces the need for welcoming spaces for community members. In addition, spaces must be multifunctional and adaptable for program use.

We are upgrading and modifying our facility to improve the experiences of our members and participants. The changes will create a welcoming environment for everyone, with more program spaces that can adapt to the changing needs of our community. We currently have only one multipurpose room; more than 10 adaptable spaces will be available after construction.

The project will repurpose 10,000 square feet of unutilized and underutilized space to create more adaptable program areas. This renovation project will include:

– Three new Wellness Studios

– Two levels of expanded Wellness Center space

– New ALIVE Center for teens, which will include 2 multipurpose programs rooms and a kitchen

– New and enlarged Kids Campus area

– Intergenerational room/lounge for teens and seniors

– New dividable multipurpose room for meetings and programs

– Several gathering areas/lounges for socialization

– Bathrooms in the rear of the facility

– Pool viewing lounge

– Widened main hallway with sightlines into program areas

– Updated locker rooms, all on the lower level, offering improved ADA accessibility, private changing areas and shower stalls, and the addition of a new steam room and sauna for women

– Secured access to the preschool wing

– Addition of flexible Wellness space at 26 Newton

The renovations will be completed in phases to minimize the impact on members. 

Phase 1 (Locker Rooms): Construction is set to begin in July 2023 and is expected to conclude in November 2023.

Phase 2: (Elevator to Gym): Construction is set to begin in July 2023 and is expected to conclude in February 2024.

Absolutely! The Wellness Center will remain operational. Group exercise classes will continue, but will be held outdoors or next door in the 26 Newton building. We are still exploring options regarding use of the gym and Kids Campus, and will provide updates as available.

We anticipate that the project will begin in July, pending Village approvals and permitting. The Y will inform members about progress and area closures through email and our website.

During the construction, we aim to maintain all programming. If certain areas need to be closed, we will strive to minimize the impact by relocating or temporarily adjusting programming.

One racquetball court is being kept. By repurposing three racquetball courts, we can create two levels of program space that include a small, a medium, and a large studio. These new versatile areas can be used for group exercise classes, chronic disease programs, and youth programming.

We are able to expand three existing racquetball courts, which equate to 2,400 sq. ft. to 4,800 sq. ft. of flexible program space to meet the current Wellness needs.

Relocating the locker rooms to the lower level will enhance ADA accessibility and privacy, while ensuring that both locker rooms are equipped with steam rooms and saunas. In addition to a mens/boys and womens/girls locker room, the universal/family locker room will be maintained but renovated with new tile.

We have worked to minimize the impact on the pool. The pool will be closed from the end of July through Labor Day, while the demolition of the lower-level locker rooms takes place. July swim lessons will run as scheduled, and we will complete our Swim Team 2023 long-course season before locker room construction begins. The pool will reopen the Tuesday after Labor Day. 

The YMCA’s Board of Directors and staff have taken necessary steps to ensure a successful start to the $12 capital campaign by raising $10 million of the $12 million, which included securing a $2 million Federal grant thanks to Congressman Sean Casten, and an anonymous $5 million donation. The Y is asking for community support to reach the last $2 million in funding.

How can I help?

Stay Informed: Ensure your current email address is on file with the Y to receive regular news and updates. You can also visit www.brryallymca.org for more information. 

Make a gift. All members are welcome to contribute to the B.R. Ryall YMCA’s capital campaign. If you wish to learn more about opportunities to contribute to this exciting project and the future of the B.R. Ryall YMCA, please get in touch with Rob Wilkinson, CEO, at [email protected] or Kelly Coffey, COO, at [email protected]


We have worked to minimize any impact on our childcare programs, including Bright Beginnings, Kindergarten Round-Up, Safe ‘n Sound and Summer Camp. Participating families will be informed well in advance if and when there will be any impacts on these programs; however, all child care programs will continue to run for the duration of the project.

We will update our members on any progress and temporary changes through email and our website.