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
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
Community champions Shirley Fearon and Al de Castro. © Joshua Simpson
The lobby interior facing the main circulation corridor windows offer a sense of discovery and delight as you move from room to room.

"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
The multipurpose gymnasium. © Scott Frances
The aquatic pavilion. © Scott Frances
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.
The primary corridor that connects the main pavilion with the gym and aquatic pavilions. © Scott Frances
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.
Entry ramp leading to the building entry. © Scott Frances
The weathering steel clad exteriors. © 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.
Main Entry at E 229th St. © Scott Frances
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.

1711 N49
A view into the courtyard from the aquatic pavilion.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA JS Yong N71 medium.jpg
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
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA N3
Existing Site Analysis-Tree Preservation Diagram.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N19 medium
The lobby interior facing the main circulation corridor windows offer a sense of discovery and delight as you move from room to room.
1711 N64
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
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA N8
Concept Massing Diagram- Three pavilions connected by a glass walkway.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N63 medium
Their open arrangement is a gesture of openness and transparency, as if the building was welcoming you in a warm embrace.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N59 medium
The facility offers pools, a gym, a wellness center, and community spaces, aiming to serve up to 15,000 members.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N62 medium
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.
1711 N57
The building material choices emphasize a natural palette inspired by the natural landscape and geographical features of the Bronx.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N68 medium
The design seeks solutions that emphasize aesthetic grace and architectural delight, while balancing the functional durability required of a high traffic commercial facility.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N69 medium
This building illustrates the importance of making lasting investments in the health, wealth, education, and overall well-being of often overlooked communities.

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
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
Community champions Shirley Fearon and Al de Castro. © Joshua Simpson
The lobby interior facing the main circulation corridor windows offer a sense of discovery and delight as you move from room to room.

"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
The multipurpose gymnasium. © Scott Frances
The aquatic pavilion. © Scott Frances
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.
The primary corridor that connects the main pavilion with the gym and aquatic pavilions. © Scott Frances
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.
Entry ramp leading to the building entry. © Scott Frances
The weathering steel clad exteriors. © 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.
Main Entry at E 229th St. © Scott Frances
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.

1711 N49
A view into the courtyard from the aquatic pavilion.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA JS Yong N71 medium.jpg
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
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA N3
Existing Site Analysis-Tree Preservation Diagram.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N19 medium
The lobby interior facing the main circulation corridor windows offer a sense of discovery and delight as you move from room to room.
1711 N64
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
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA N8
Concept Massing Diagram- Three pavilions connected by a glass walkway.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N63 medium
Their open arrangement is a gesture of openness and transparency, as if the building was welcoming you in a warm embrace.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N59 medium
The facility offers pools, a gym, a wellness center, and community spaces, aiming to serve up to 15,000 members.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N62 medium
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.
1711 N57
The building material choices emphasize a natural palette inspired by the natural landscape and geographical features of the Bronx.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N68 medium
The design seeks solutions that emphasize aesthetic grace and architectural delight, while balancing the functional durability required of a high traffic commercial facility.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N69 medium
This building illustrates the importance of making lasting investments in the health, wealth, education, and overall well-being of often overlooked communities.

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
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
Community champions Shirley Fearon and Al de Castro. © Joshua Simpson
The lobby interior facing the main circulation corridor windows offer a sense of discovery and delight as you move from room to room.

"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
The multipurpose gymnasium. © Scott Frances
The aquatic pavilion. © Scott Frances
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.
The primary corridor that connects the main pavilion with the gym and aquatic pavilions. © Scott Frances
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.
Entry ramp leading to the building entry. © Scott Frances
The weathering steel clad exteriors. © 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.
Main Entry at E 229th St. © Scott Frances
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.

1711 N49
A view into the courtyard from the aquatic pavilion.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA JS Yong N71 medium.jpg
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
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA N3
Existing Site Analysis-Tree Preservation Diagram.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N19 medium
The lobby interior facing the main circulation corridor windows offer a sense of discovery and delight as you move from room to room.
1711 N64
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
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA N8
Concept Massing Diagram- Three pavilions connected by a glass walkway.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N63 medium
Their open arrangement is a gesture of openness and transparency, as if the building was welcoming you in a warm embrace.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N59 medium
The facility offers pools, a gym, a wellness center, and community spaces, aiming to serve up to 15,000 members.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N62 medium
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.
1711 N57
The building material choices emphasize a natural palette inspired by the natural landscape and geographical features of the Bronx.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N68 medium
The design seeks solutions that emphasize aesthetic grace and architectural delight, while balancing the functional durability required of a high traffic commercial facility.
1711 Northeast Bronx YMCA Scott Frances N69 medium
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)