To address these challenges, the portion of the site fronting Carson Street was cleared to double the facility’s square footage to 32,000 and create a strong architectural identity to serve as a welcoming “front door” to the community. The original undersized lobby was replaced with a stunning double-height corridor which has come to be known as the “grand hall”. Highly visible from Carson Street, the grand hall and second-floor fitness room serve as a distinctive beacon both day and night.

The expansion has greatly increased the diversity of the users and is now one of the busiest locations in the region. The Lakewood YMCA now serves as a successful model for the organization nationwide.