Marvel Architects has unveiled a full set of renderings that showcase the firm's nature-focused design direction for the new Edenwald YMCA in the Northeast Bronx.
On the edge of a densely overgrown lot nestled near the largest New York City Housing Authority development in the Bronx, Marvel is designing a dynamic campus of adventure and activity that will provide a state-of-the-art community hub to neighborhood families of all income levels. Located within Bronx Community District 12, a new YMCA community and recreation facility will be located alongside NYCHA's Baychester and Edenwald Houses.
Marvel's design responds to the natural topography of the site and preserves significant mature trees and groves of vegetation. The facility will be comprised of three pavilions, connected by a glass corridor that provides views out to the landscaped courtyards between them. Both New York City's YMCA and Marvel are fully committed to the holistic pursuit of a sustainably designed building and will utilize both passive and active sustainable elements in the new design.
"The Edenwald Community will have the opportunity to explore a new recreational and educational campus that reinforces the balance of building and nature. The building responds to the beautiful mature trees that we have so carefully saved," stated Jonathan Marvel, Founding Principal of Marvel Architects.
Marvel Architects was selected by the YMCA to design the new, 50,000 sf recreational facility which sits on the eastern side of a large plot under the jurisdiction of the New York City Administration for Children's Services and currently includes a residential facility for children with special needs. The YMCA building will include two swimming pools, a 7,200 square-foot dividable gymnasium, wellness center, childcare, group exercise studios and sub-dividable community and multipurpose rooms where members can engage in safe and fun recreational activities. The entrance will be located in the 3-story main pavilion, while the single-story gym pavilion is set into the rear of the Project Area and the swimming pool pavilion to the east. The property will include 150 surface parking spaces. The sustainable design process was fully integrated into the design of the building, with the ultimate goal of achieving a LEED v4 Gold rating.
The Edenwald YMCA will break ground this fall and be completed in 2020.
