Northeast Bronx YMCA
Serving the underserved by celebrating community, openness, and the preservation of hundred year old trees.
In this underserved part of the Bronx, there are only 3.1 acres of parks and playgrounds per 1,000 children, far below the citywide average of 13.3 acres. The new 52,000 square feet Northeast Bronx YMCA addresses the critical need for recreational space, fulfilling a 30-year dream of the community for a multigenerational community center and hub. Developed in partnership with a broad coalition of community leaders and elected officials, it is a powerful reminder of the good that can come when our leaders, institutions, and community work together.
A view into the courtyard from the aquatic pavilion. © Joshua Simpson
© Ashok Sinha
Marvel’s tree protection strategy for the new building sought not to disturb, but to nestle within these mature trees. We preserved the largest and visually most significant trees while pursuing new locations for smaller, healthy examples.
Jonathan Marvel identifying local trees for material use. © Marvel
"We thought about how we could create a wonderful facility that not only responded to this beautiful wooded site, but also responded to the needs of the community."
Lissa So, Partner at Marvel
Existing Site Analysis-Tree Preservation Diagram. © Marvel
© Ashok Sinha
The whole complex is centered around a central courtyard that acts as counterpoint to the central ‘connector’ corridor linking the individual buildings.
"We connected the different spaces with these beautiful glass corridors that would allow you to experience nature as you went from one place to another."
Jonathan Marvel, Founding Principal at Marvel
Concept Massing Diagram- Three pavilions connected by a glass walkway. © Marvel
Panoramic view of the courtyard from the main walkway corridor. © Scott Frances
© Ashok Sinha
The lobby interior facing the main circulation corridor windows offer a sense of discovery and delight as you move from room to room.
The multipurpose gymnasium. © Scott Frances
© Ashok Sinha
Their open arrangement is a gesture of openness and transparency, as if the building was welcoming you in a warm embrace.
The facility offers pools, a gym, a wellness center, and community spaces, aiming to serve up to 15,000 members. A 24’ wide window offers a generous view of the Aquatic Center and its glulam roof.
© Ashok Sinha
Entry ramp leading to the building entry. © Scott Frances
The building material choices emphasize a natural palette inspired by the natural landscape and geographical features of the Bronx.
The design seeks solutions that emphasize aesthetic grace and architectural delight, while balancing the functional durability required of a high traffic commercial facility.
© Ashok Sinha
This building illustrates the importance of making lasting investments in the health, wealth, education, and overall well-being of often overlooked communities.
Serving the underserved by celebrating community, openness, and the preservation of hundred year old trees.
In this underserved part of the Bronx, there are only 3.1 acres of parks and playgrounds per 1,000 children, far below the citywide average of 13.3 acres. The new 52,000 square feet Northeast Bronx YMCA addresses the critical need for recreational space, fulfilling a 30-year dream of the community for a multigenerational community center and hub. Developed in partnership with a broad coalition of community leaders and elected officials, it is a powerful reminder of the good that can come when our leaders, institutions, and community work together.
A view into the courtyard from the aquatic pavilion.
Jonathan Marvel identifying local trees for material use.
"We thought about how we could create a wonderful facility that not only responded to this beautiful wooded site, but also responded to the needs of the community."
Lissa So, Partner at Marvel
Existing Site Analysis-Tree Preservation Diagram.
The lobby interior facing the main circulation corridor windows offer a sense of discovery and delight as you move from room to room.
Panoramic view of the courtyard from the main walkway corridor.
"We connected the different spaces with these beautiful glass corridors that would allow you to experience nature as you went from one place to another."
Jonathan Marvel, Founding Principal at Marvel
Concept Massing Diagram- Three pavilions connected by a glass walkway.
Their open arrangement is a gesture of openness and transparency, as if the building was welcoming you in a warm embrace.
The facility offers pools, a gym, a wellness center, and community spaces, aiming to serve up to 15,000 members. A 24’ wide window offers a generous view of the Aquatic Center and its glulam roof.
Set on what was a wooded 3-acre site, the building program is organized into three separate pavilions placed gently on the site, preserving existing mature trees and respecting the natural sloped topography.
The building material choices emphasize a natural palette inspired by the natural landscape and geographical features of the Bronx.
The design seeks solutions that emphasize aesthetic grace and architectural delight, while balancing the functional durability required of a high traffic commercial facility.
This building illustrates the importance of making lasting investments in the health, wealth, education, and overall well-being of often overlooked communities.
Landscape Architecture
Interior Design
Northeast Bronx YMCA
Serving the underserved by celebrating community, openness, and the preservation of hundred year old trees.
In this underserved part of the Bronx, there are only 3.1 acres of parks and playgrounds per 1,000 children, far below the citywide average of 13.3 acres. The new 52,000 square feet Northeast Bronx YMCA addresses the critical need for recreational space, fulfilling a 30-year dream of the community for a multigenerational community center and hub. Developed in partnership with a broad coalition of community leaders and elected officials, it is a powerful reminder of the good that can come when our leaders, institutions, and community work together.
A view into the courtyard from the aquatic pavilion. © Joshua Simpson
© Ashok Sinha
Marvel’s tree protection strategy for the new building sought not to disturb, but to nestle within these mature trees. We preserved the largest and visually most significant trees while pursuing new locations for smaller, healthy examples.
Jonathan Marvel identifying local trees for material use. © Marvel
"We thought about how we could create a wonderful facility that not only responded to this beautiful wooded site, but also responded to the needs of the community."
Lissa So, Partner at Marvel
Existing Site Analysis-Tree Preservation Diagram. © Marvel
© Ashok Sinha
The whole complex is centered around a central courtyard that acts as counterpoint to the central ‘connector’ corridor linking the individual buildings.
"We connected the different spaces with these beautiful glass corridors that would allow you to experience nature as you went from one place to another."
Jonathan Marvel, Founding Principal at Marvel
Concept Massing Diagram- Three pavilions connected by a glass walkway. © Marvel
Panoramic view of the courtyard from the main walkway corridor. © Scott Frances
© Ashok Sinha
The lobby interior facing the main circulation corridor windows offer a sense of discovery and delight as you move from room to room.
The multipurpose gymnasium. © Scott Frances
© Ashok Sinha
Their open arrangement is a gesture of openness and transparency, as if the building was welcoming you in a warm embrace.
The facility offers pools, a gym, a wellness center, and community spaces, aiming to serve up to 15,000 members. A 24’ wide window offers a generous view of the Aquatic Center and its glulam roof.
© Ashok Sinha
Entry ramp leading to the building entry. © Scott Frances
The building material choices emphasize a natural palette inspired by the natural landscape and geographical features of the Bronx.
The design seeks solutions that emphasize aesthetic grace and architectural delight, while balancing the functional durability required of a high traffic commercial facility.
© Ashok Sinha
This building illustrates the importance of making lasting investments in the health, wealth, education, and overall well-being of often overlooked communities.
Serving the underserved by celebrating community, openness, and the preservation of hundred year old trees.
In this underserved part of the Bronx, there are only 3.1 acres of parks and playgrounds per 1,000 children, far below the citywide average of 13.3 acres. The new 52,000 square feet Northeast Bronx YMCA addresses the critical need for recreational space, fulfilling a 30-year dream of the community for a multigenerational community center and hub. Developed in partnership with a broad coalition of community leaders and elected officials, it is a powerful reminder of the good that can come when our leaders, institutions, and community work together.
A view into the courtyard from the aquatic pavilion.
Jonathan Marvel identifying local trees for material use.
"We thought about how we could create a wonderful facility that not only responded to this beautiful wooded site, but also responded to the needs of the community."
Lissa So, Partner at Marvel
Existing Site Analysis-Tree Preservation Diagram.
The lobby interior facing the main circulation corridor windows offer a sense of discovery and delight as you move from room to room.
Panoramic view of the courtyard from the main walkway corridor.
"We connected the different spaces with these beautiful glass corridors that would allow you to experience nature as you went from one place to another."
Jonathan Marvel, Founding Principal at Marvel
Concept Massing Diagram- Three pavilions connected by a glass walkway.
Their open arrangement is a gesture of openness and transparency, as if the building was welcoming you in a warm embrace.
The facility offers pools, a gym, a wellness center, and community spaces, aiming to serve up to 15,000 members. A 24’ wide window offers a generous view of the Aquatic Center and its glulam roof.
Set on what was a wooded 3-acre site, the building program is organized into three separate pavilions placed gently on the site, preserving existing mature trees and respecting the natural sloped topography.
The building material choices emphasize a natural palette inspired by the natural landscape and geographical features of the Bronx.
The design seeks solutions that emphasize aesthetic grace and architectural delight, while balancing the functional durability required of a high traffic commercial facility.
This building illustrates the importance of making lasting investments in the health, wealth, education, and overall well-being of often overlooked communities.
Landscape Architecture
Interior Design
Northeast Bronx YMCA
Serving the underserved by celebrating community, openness, and the preservation of hundred year old trees.
In this underserved part of the Bronx, there are only 3.1 acres of parks and playgrounds per 1,000 children, far below the citywide average of 13.3 acres. The new 52,000 square feet Northeast Bronx YMCA addresses the critical need for recreational space, fulfilling a 30-year dream of the community for a multigenerational community center and hub. Developed in partnership with a broad coalition of community leaders and elected officials, it is a powerful reminder of the good that can come when our leaders, institutions, and community work together.
A view into the courtyard from the aquatic pavilion. © Joshua Simpson
© Ashok Sinha
Marvel’s tree protection strategy for the new building sought not to disturb, but to nestle within these mature trees. We preserved the largest and visually most significant trees while pursuing new locations for smaller, healthy examples.
Jonathan Marvel identifying local trees for material use. © Marvel
"We thought about how we could create a wonderful facility that not only responded to this beautiful wooded site, but also responded to the needs of the community."
Lissa So, Partner at Marvel
Existing Site Analysis-Tree Preservation Diagram. © Marvel
© Ashok Sinha
The whole complex is centered around a central courtyard that acts as counterpoint to the central ‘connector’ corridor linking the individual buildings.
"We connected the different spaces with these beautiful glass corridors that would allow you to experience nature as you went from one place to another."
Jonathan Marvel, Founding Principal at Marvel
Concept Massing Diagram- Three pavilions connected by a glass walkway. © Marvel
Panoramic view of the courtyard from the main walkway corridor. © Scott Frances
© Ashok Sinha
The lobby interior facing the main circulation corridor windows offer a sense of discovery and delight as you move from room to room.
The multipurpose gymnasium. © Scott Frances
© Ashok Sinha
Their open arrangement is a gesture of openness and transparency, as if the building was welcoming you in a warm embrace.
The facility offers pools, a gym, a wellness center, and community spaces, aiming to serve up to 15,000 members. A 24’ wide window offers a generous view of the Aquatic Center and its glulam roof.
© Ashok Sinha
Entry ramp leading to the building entry. © Scott Frances
The building material choices emphasize a natural palette inspired by the natural landscape and geographical features of the Bronx.
The design seeks solutions that emphasize aesthetic grace and architectural delight, while balancing the functional durability required of a high traffic commercial facility.
© Ashok Sinha
This building illustrates the importance of making lasting investments in the health, wealth, education, and overall well-being of often overlooked communities.
Serving the underserved by celebrating community, openness, and the preservation of hundred year old trees.
In this underserved part of the Bronx, there are only 3.1 acres of parks and playgrounds per 1,000 children, far below the citywide average of 13.3 acres. The new 52,000 square feet Northeast Bronx YMCA addresses the critical need for recreational space, fulfilling a 30-year dream of the community for a multigenerational community center and hub. Developed in partnership with a broad coalition of community leaders and elected officials, it is a powerful reminder of the good that can come when our leaders, institutions, and community work together.
A view into the courtyard from the aquatic pavilion.
Jonathan Marvel identifying local trees for material use.
"We thought about how we could create a wonderful facility that not only responded to this beautiful wooded site, but also responded to the needs of the community."
Lissa So, Partner at Marvel
Existing Site Analysis-Tree Preservation Diagram.
The lobby interior facing the main circulation corridor windows offer a sense of discovery and delight as you move from room to room.
Panoramic view of the courtyard from the main walkway corridor.
"We connected the different spaces with these beautiful glass corridors that would allow you to experience nature as you went from one place to another."
Jonathan Marvel, Founding Principal at Marvel
Concept Massing Diagram- Three pavilions connected by a glass walkway.
Their open arrangement is a gesture of openness and transparency, as if the building was welcoming you in a warm embrace.
The facility offers pools, a gym, a wellness center, and community spaces, aiming to serve up to 15,000 members. A 24’ wide window offers a generous view of the Aquatic Center and its glulam roof.
Set on what was a wooded 3-acre site, the building program is organized into three separate pavilions placed gently on the site, preserving existing mature trees and respecting the natural sloped topography.
The building material choices emphasize a natural palette inspired by the natural landscape and geographical features of the Bronx.
The design seeks solutions that emphasize aesthetic grace and architectural delight, while balancing the functional durability required of a high traffic commercial facility.
This building illustrates the importance of making lasting investments in the health, wealth, education, and overall well-being of often overlooked communities.
Location
Bronx, NY
Client
YMCA of Greater New York
Typology
Size
52,000 SF
Design Team
Jonathan Marvel, Lissa So, Yadiel Rivera, Martha Bush, JS Yong, Justine Ala
Awards
Awards: Winner of nine industry awards including the AIA NY Design Honor Award
Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award: Honorable Mention, AIA NY Chapter | Design Honor Award for Architecture, Architizer A+ Special Mention, Gyms & Recreation Centers, MASterworks Award, Best New Building, Municipal Art Society, NYCxDESIGN Social Impact Award, Chicago Athanaeum Green Good Design for Architecture, Architect's Newspaper Honorable Mention - Unbuilt Public Category, Architecture and Interiors Merit Award
Consultants
Abel Bainnson Butz LLP (Landscape Architect), AKRF Engineering Inc (Geotechnical Engineering / Arborist), Cerami & Associates Inc (Acoustic / IT / Security), Clevenger Frable LaVallee, Inc. (Foodservice), Code Green Solutions Inc (Sustainability), Design 2147 Ltd (Code), Dharam Lally & Smith (Cost Estimation), Dot Dash LLC (Lighting), Philip Habib & Associate PE PC (Civil Engineering), Polise Consulting Engineers DCP (MEP), Robert Schwartz & Associates (Specifications), Robert Silman Associates, PC Consulting Engineers (Structural Engineering), RWDI USA Inc / The Facade Group (Facade), Steven Winter Associates Inc (Commissioning), Trace Pool Design (N/A)