The YMCA on Argyle Avenue will get some much-needed improvements this month, including new programs for children and their families, thanks to the Taggart family’s record-breaking donation.
The Metro YMCA-YWCA has taken a new name following a $2- million donation made by businessmen Jim and Keith Taggart. Now known as the Taggart Family YMCA-YWCA, the donation is the largest in the 144-year history of the National Capital Region’s YMCA’s.
The Taggart Family Y, at the corner of Argyle and O’Connor Street, has been under construction since last year. The location’s interior has already experienced a major facelift but renovations aren’t expected to be complete until June, says the Y’s chief executive officer Deirdre Spears.
“The building was built in 1970s,” she says, “This renovation gives us the opportunity to bring the Taggart Family Y up to better standards.”
The renovations are part of the YMCA-YWCA’s Capital Campaign, Strengthening the Heart of Our Community launched in 2009, which had an estimated cost of $35 million.
The goal to raise $15 million is nearing, since the Taggart’s donation has contributed to the total $11.4 million raised so far.
The project includes a revamp of the aquatics area, improved lighting throughout the building as well as new changerooms.
The Taggarts’ substantial donation is far-reaching and will contribute to the completion of the overall renovation.
Jim Taggart, who co-chairs the YMCA’s capital campaign, remains modest about helping to fund the renovations and insists that the name change wasn’t a motivating force.
“Our donation was to help support the programs not to get publicity. But it’s a spin-off we’ll be comfortable living with,” he says.
Changes extend beyond the physical appearance of the building. Spears says it is important to make the Y more inviting to families throughout the area.
“We’ve added a children’s zone and a youth zone,” she says.
The children’s zone will include a climbing structure, and the youth zone will have interactive computerized equipment to help keep kids active.
In addition, Spears says there will be workout equipment where families can exercise together.
While this massive project has left the building in disarray, Spears says that a decision was made early not to close the Y and that a slight decrease in membership would result.
“It was certainly part of the plan,” she says about maintaining services, regardless of the disruption. “We made the decision to support the community programs,” she says.
“To shut it down and renovate we would be putting people on the street,” says Spears, referring to the childcare program and onsite residences.
Rachel Kerr lives near the facility, but recently cancelled her membership.
“It’s good that they’re making changes. They were definitely needed,” says Kerr. “The changerooms were awful and the cardio area was always too cramped and way too hot.”
Kerr says the renovations were too overwhelming so she joined a new facility but would consider going back to the Y after they are complete.
Spears says that although renovations have yet to be completed, she’s already received positive feedback from members.
“Members are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” she says.
“They know it will only get better.”