Moody Family YMCA

University Park, Texas

The Moody Family YMCA is a prominent community institution dating back to the mid 1940’s. GFF was hired to assist with a challenging zoning case and to design a replacement building occupying the same city block. The building’s context was extremely important, driving many of the design decisions. The site fronts onto Preston Road, and is surrounded by private family homes on all sides. A 284-car underground parking garage covering the entire site removes cars from neighboring streets and serves visitors and staff as well as the adjacent Unitarian Church during Sunday services. The building design presents a prominent public entry to Preston Road while still maintaining the desired residential scale through the use of gable roofs, porches, covered walkways, and building materials compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood.