Andover/North Andover YMCA Raises $3.5 Million from Early Investors for Innovative Expansion Project

First-class Building Team in Place to Manage Estimated $20 Million Project

ANDOVER, Mass.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The Andover/North Andover YMCA today announced it has received $3.5 million in advanced gifts for its estimated $20 million expansion project, showcasing the strong, initial support from the community in the renovation. The early investors include Watts Water Technologies of North Andover, the Stevens Foundation in North Andover, Andover residents Timothy Horne and Rosalyn Wood, and the YMCA’s own stakeholders – the volunteer boards of directors and employees of the Merrimack Valley YMCA.

“We are grateful for the generous contributions of our early investors and believe this initial support is just the starting point. Our sites are set high for this expansion because we know how important the end result is”

With these gifts, the foundation has been laid for a successful 60,000 square foot expansion and renovation that will double the YMCA’s current capacity. Plans for the project include a new early childhood development center, a youth and teen wellness center, a healthy active living center for older adults, expanded health and wellness space, a 50-meter pool, and new space to extend the services fueled by partnerships and collaborations. With 40 years of serving the community under its belt, the Andover/North Andover YMCA’s expansion goal is to make healthier lives achievable for everyone, especially in light of the growing concern and increased nationwide and local emphasis on health and wellness.

“We are grateful for the generous contributions of our early investors and believe this initial support is just the starting point. Our sites are set high for this expansion because we know how important the end result is,” said Stephen Ives, Merrimack Valley YMCA CEO. “Through this project, we will be able to better provide community health and wellness, advancing the ways we impact our members. We will ensure that any investment in this project is an investment in the future. For 40 years we have served the community, and this will position us to have an immense social and economic impact on the community for the next 40 years.”

The Building Committee, which will oversee all decisions regarding the expansion project moving forward, has been established, with guidance from the Merrimack Valley YMCA’s Board of Directors. Trident Project Advantage Group has served as the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) since the project’s inception and recently, Sasaki Associates was selected as the architecture firm and Harvey Construction was chosen as the construction manager/builder. The entire team has deep expertise in a combination of nonprofit and sports and recreational projects.

Construction is expected to begin in June 2012 with an estimated completion date of late 2013. The next steps include finalizing the cost through schematic design and establishing the long-term financing plan. For more information, visit the Andover/North Andover YMCA expansion page on the Merrimack Valley YMCA website or follow the project on our blog, Twitter and Facebook.

About the Andover/North Andover YMCA

The Andover/North Andover YMCA, a branch of the Merrimack Valley YMCA, is a not-for-profit, social service organization that is making healthier lives achievable for everyone. With more than 2000 programs, the Andover/North Andover YMCA serves the needs of the entire community from children and teenagers to active older adults and families. The organization has served the Andover and North Andover communities for more than 40 years, teaching and encouraging its members to strengthen their spirit, mind and body. Highlighting its ability to address the health and wellness concerns facing the nation today, the Andover/North Andover YMCA was one of 20 YMCAs nationwide selected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to participate in an advanced YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program, working with people who are pre-diabetic or at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. In addition to pioneering innovative programs, the Andover/North Andover YMCA has strong partnerships and collaborations with local organizations and institutions, making it a cornerstone of the community.