North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Construction is underway on a major expansion and renovation of the Midtown YMCA in Wilmington, a project designed to increase access to fitness, aquatics, recreation and community programming.
Thomas Construction Group broke ground on the design-build project last week. The work will transform the existing facility on a 4.5-acre site through a combination of new construction and renovations.
The project centres on the expansion of the existing 41,558-square-foot YMCA with a new 17,300-square-foot addition. The addition will include three locker rooms, an open-concept wellness and weight room, a studio, partner space and a 9,000-square-foot natatorium featuring a new indoor aquatics centre.
The development also includes construction of an adjacent 8,500-square-foot airnasium with a dedicated restroom facility, as well as approximately 8,900 square feet of selective renovations to the existing building.
Once complete, the expanded YMCA will offer larger health and wellness areas, group exercise studios, indoor recreation spaces, multi-sport courts for youth and family activities, additional classrooms for child care and youth programming, and gathering spaces for teens, families and older adults. Outdoor amenities designed to encourage recreation and community connection are also part of the project.
According to the YMCA, the expanded Midtown facility is intended to meet the needs of a growing community while providing accessible, modern spaces that support wellness, youth development, water safety and social connection.
The organization said the project represents more than a building expansion, describing it as a long-term investment in the health, safety and vitality of the community.
The project is being supported through contributions from donors and community partners, with the goal of ensuring the Midtown YMCA remains a welcoming space where people of all ages can learn, grow and thrive.