Courtesy Saratoga YMCA
The Saratoga Regional YMCA has obtained initial city approval to proceed with a 17,000-square-foot addition to its Saratoga Springs Branch that will become the new home of the Saratoga Senior Center.
Construction of the facility is likely to begin in the spring, officials said.
The Y expansion and collaboration with the Senior Center will allow each organization to expand upon programming geared toward older adults, and provide cross programming that will engage and serve more seniors than either organization can serve on their own, according to the YMCA.
The collaboration is being made possible by a $2 million anonymous charitable gift that will allow the Senior Center to occupy its new space on the YMCA campus rent free. The organizations would conduct capital campaigns to seek additional donor support for the project.
In addition, the Senior Center is launching a market analysis/feasibility study in preparation of the new facility. The analysis, conducted by Camoin and Associates, will identify in-demand and viable programming for the space, including needs of seniors, potential commercial uses, and space for revenue driving businesses that would benefit seniors and YMCA members.
Officials said funding for the feasibility study is being supported by an Empire State Development grant, recommended by the Capital Region Economic Development Council as part of the state’s Regional Council initiative.
Officials said that after the new Senior Center is constructed, the YMCA intends to pursue another project to add an additional 25,000 square feet for its operations. Post-COVID operations are requiring more space in exercise areas to better support public health.
The Y envisions additional fitness space, a gymnasium, and an expansion of KidzCare services in order to help serve more children, adults, seniors and families within the new space at cost of $3.5 million.
According to the organizations, the synergies of improving mission-based services for both Saratoga Springs human service organizations demonstrates the power of the confluence of maximizing operational efficiencies, elimination of duplication of resources, and leveraging private support.
Individuals or businesses who want to learn more about the project or are interested in charitable giving to help make it happen can contact Scott Clark at the YMCA 518-583-9622, ext. 106, or Lois Celeste at the Senior Center at 518-584-1621.