Eugene Family YMCA
Eugene, OR | 8 acres | 74,000 SF
A New Era of Community and Wellness
The Eugene Family YMCA project began in 2015 when the organization acquired the site of the former Roosevelt Middle School, which had relocated next door. The team managed fundraising efforts, cash flow analysis, and budget coordination. Although the project faced starts and stops, including changes in executive leadership, funding was secured through state lottery grants and a significant $8M anonymous donation.
The design process spanned several years, with the YMCA eventually moving forward with a phased construction approach. deChase Miksis worked alongside contractors, including Chambers Construction and Redpoint Construction Management, to navigate cost escalation, design modifications, and schedule management, ensuring the building met the needs of the community while staying on budget and schedule.
Creating a Thriving Facility
The Eugene Family YMCA is a complex building featuring two swimming pools, a large fitness floor, daycare centers, a teaching kitchen, and community spaces. The project was a challenging program build, requiring meticulous coordination and alignment with designers and contractors. Issues such as delayed electrical gear procurement, cost increases, and the COVID-19 pandemic affected the timeline, but the team managed to keep the project on track.
The YMCA also faced uncertainty regarding post-construction membership numbers. However, the facility exceeded expectations, with membership numbers surpassing projections within weeks of opening. The facility’s design includes thoughtful elements like expansive windows with views of Spencer Butte and multi-purpose spaces that can adapt to changing community needs. Public art by local artists also adds to the facility’s unique character.
Exceeding Expectations and Becoming a Community Hub
The Eugene Family YMCA opened in December 2023, and its success has been overwhelming. The YMCA quickly surpassed its membership goals, reaching over 10,000 households—well ahead of the projected timeline. The facility’s extensive amenities, including group fitness classes, an outdoor studio, and a community room, have been embraced by the public.
The YMCA has become a hub for the community, offering afterschool programs for local students and a variety of fitness and wellness services. The design’s focus on quality and community is reflected in its elegant finishes, including reclaimed wood, polished concrete floors, and thoughtful furniture choices. Members appreciate the high-end, world-class experience without the resort-like price tag. The YMCA’s focus on inclusivity, community-building, and functionality has made it a crucial asset to Eugene, far exceeding its initial goals.