Brentwood Family YMCA

Project Statement

Designed to serve Brentwood’s growing community needs, the expanded and improved Brentwood Family YMCA integrates universal design principles to provide accessible, holistic health and recreation opportunities. The intergenerational facility features spacious group exercise areas, multipurpose community spaces, a natatorium, an outdoor aquatics center, and a skate park.

Renovations to the existing 1980s brick building introduce modern interior amenities within a reconfigured layout, enabling intuitive navigation between activities. Regional community outreach initiatives, such as Full Circle—a program providing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities access to recreational activities and educational opportunities—now have a permanent, more open location within the Y. Housed within the wing’s Youth and Teen Center, its location fosters interaction among young people of all ages and abilities.

The addition mirrors the design of the existing building, characterized by a minimalist materials palette and a rectangular form. Inside, natural daylight floods an expansive wellness floor area and seven new group exercise studios, including an indoor cycling studio, a mind-body studio, a Pilates reformer studio, and a 3,000 SF group exercise studio. An adjacent wellness terrace extends fitness, meditation, and yoga activities to a covered balcony overlooking the Y’s outdoor recreation space and family pool area. A new zero-entry pool and splash pad provide access for those with mobility challenges and depth perception issues.

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

## Equitable Communities

Regional community outreach initiatives, such as Full Circle, have a permanent home within the Brentwood YMCA. This program provides individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities access to recreational activities and educational opportunities.


The Teen Center provides a safe and engaging environment for youth to gather after school or during the summer, with access to games and homework help.

A new zero-entry pool and splash pad provide access for those with mobility challenges and depth perception issues.

## Wellbeing

The new glass façade introduces natural light into exercise spaces, while the covered balcony provides fresh air circulation and indoor-outdoor activities.


The addition accommodates seven new group exercise studios, multipurpose community spaces, a natatorium, an outdoor aquatics center, and a skate park.

## Water

In response to the challenges posed by being located within a major flood zone, the renovation and design result in a comprehensive approach to flood management. It features a series of tiered retaining walls along the perimeter of the building designed to manage and redirect floodwaters effectively, incorporating native vegetation and shrubs to aid in erosion control and enhance the natural landscape. Additionally, the main entrance is elevated above the parking level to prevent any possibility of flooding within the building. These measures not only ensure the structural integrity of the property but also contribute to environmental sustainability by blending practical flood prevention with ecological benefits.