Moody Family YMCA

The Moody Family YMCA, a prominent community institution since the mid-1940s, underwent a significant transformation to meet modern needs while respecting its residential context. GFF was hired to manage a challenging zoning case and design a replacement building on the same city block. The site, located on Preston Road and surrounded by private homes, required a design that balanced public accessibility with residential scale.

The new state-of-the-art facility includes a 284-car underground parking garage, covering the entire site to remove cars from neighboring streets and serve visitors, staff, and the adjacent Unitarian Church during Sunday services. The building features a prominent public entry on Preston Road while maintaining a residential scale through the use of gable roofs, porches, covered walkways, and compatible building materials.

The updated facility offers the latest fitness amenities, including a full-size gym, cycling studio, and advanced workout equipment. A natatorium features two indoor pools, a therapy pool, and a lap pool. The facility also includes a wellness center, multipurpose space for youth programs, preschool classrooms, locker rooms, a lobby area, and outdoor recreation fields. Native and adaptive plants throughout the site provide a thriving setting for the facility, enhancing the overall community experience.

The re-envisioned entry, set back from the street, welcomes guests with cleanly designed walkways, warm materials, and soft plantings. Donors’ names are displayed on stone walls and bricks flanking the main entry, recognizing their contributions to the project. This renovation ensures the YMCA continues to serve the greater Highland Park area’s recreational needs while integrating seamlessly with the local neighborhood.