A New YMCA for the Tacoma Community

As the current aquatic center, which was built in the late 1970s, nears the end of its useful life, it became evident that bringing the aquatic center up to current design and building codes would force the Y to make similar code updates to the rest of the facility. The Y’s leaders and board of directors researched several different avenues and determined building a modern, state-of-the-art facility was the best path forward.

We expect the new building to be open in late ‘25.

The first phase of construction includes a new aquatics center, climbing wall, weight room, locker rooms, welcome center, and lounge areas. The second phase of construction includes new gymnasiums, cardio room, art room, chapel, teen center, lounge, child watch, multipurpose rooms, community meeting room, racquetball and squash courts, cycling studio, and in-door walking track.

Yes, the current YMCA will remain open during construction of the new Pearl Street Family Y building. Programming such as gymnastics, dance, arts, group exercise classes, etc., will continue at the current community center until the new gym is completed (date TBD). All cardio equipment will remain at the current building until then. The current locker rooms, welcome center, and lounge areas will remain accessible even after the first phase of construction is completed.

All in-center activities, including classes, events, and camps, will be unaffected, but some sections of the parking lot will be closed at times, and check-in/checkout areas for summer day camp and youth sports may be relocated.

We are making a concerted effort to minimize the impact of construction on our members. Parking in front of and to the north of the current YMCA will not be impacted by construction. Parking directly behind and south of the facility may be affected. As traffic and parking conditions shift, we will provide clear signage and guidance to ensure every member has access to the center.

While all pool activity, sauna, steam room, and showers will be moved to the state-of-the-art aquatics center upon completion, the current Y will continue to host programming such as gymnastics, dance, arts, group exercises classes, etc. All cardio equipment will also remain at the current Family Y. We look forward to limiting interruptions to your Y experience as much as possible during construction.

The two buildings will be connected by a walkway. Depending on which amenities members use during their visit, they may be expected to scan into both community centers. The safety of our members will remain of utmost importance to us while both community centers are operational.

Once the new aquatics center is completed, we will shift our focus to the next phase of fundraising for gymnasiums, cardio room, art room, chapel, teen center, lounge, child watch, multipurpose rooms, community meeting room, racquetball and squash courts, cycling studio, and indoor walking track.

The beginning of construction for the next phase will depend on our fundraising efforts. Construction length is to be determined and demolition of the current Y will begin after construction is completed.