Saratoga Regional YMCA obtains approval to begin capital project with the Saratoga Senior Center

The Saratoga Regional YMCA and the Saratoga Senior Center are excited to announce that the YMCA has obtained initial City approvals to proceed with a 17,000 square foot addition to its Saratoga Springs Branch that will become the new home of the Saratoga Senior Center. Construction of the facility is likely to begin in Spring 2022. 

The Y expansion and collaboration with the Senior Center will allow each organization to expand upon programming geared toward older adults, and provide cross programming that will engage and serve more seniors than either organization can serve on their own.

The Senior Center/YMCA collaboration is being made possible by a $2,000,000 anonymous charitable gift that will allow the Senior Center to occupy its new space on the YMCA campus rent free. The organizations would conduct capital campaigns to seek additional donor support for the project.

In addition, the Senior Center is launching a market analysis/feasibility study in preparation of the new facility. The analysis, conducted by Camoin and Associates, will identify in-demand and viable programming for the space, including needs of seniors, potential commercial uses, and space for revenue driving businesses that would benefit seniors and YMCA members. Funding for the feasibility study is being supported by an Empire State Development grant, recommended by the Capital Region Economic Development Council as part of the state's Regional Council initiative.

After the new Senior Center is constructed, the SRYMCA intends to pursue another project to add an additional 25,000 square feet for its operations. Post-Covid operations are requiring more space in exercise areas to better support public health. The Y envisions additional fitness space, a gymnasium, and an expansion of KidzCare services in order to help serve more children, adults, seniors and families within this new space at cost of $3.5 million.

The synergies of improving mission-based services for both Saratoga Springs human service organizations demonstrates the power of the confluence of maximizing operational efficiencies, elimination of duplication of resources, and leveraging private support.

Individuals or businesses who want to learn more about this exciting project or are interested in charitable giving to help make it happen should contact Scott Clark at the SRYMCA 518-583-9622 x106 or Lois Celeste at the Saratoga Springs Senior Center at 518-584-1621. Your input matters so please consider taking the survey at www.saratogaseniorcenter.org.