YMCA Unveils New Facility

By Teresa Rochester

Jan. 14 -- Twenty years ago Roy Naylor envisioned a new and expanded Santa Monica YMCA.

On Monday, the vision of the late civic leader, who was known as "Mr. YMCA" was unveiled before an audience studded with civic, government and education officials at the grand opening of the organization's new 40,000 square-foot facility.

"I think this one of the best state-of-the-art YMCA's and one of the best buildings we've designed," said Councilman Herb Katz, whose architecture firm, RTK, designed the facility, which includes a three-story atrium.

YMCA officials were presented with commendations by Assemblywoman Fran Pavley and the City of Santa Monica, along with a letter of congratulations from U.S. Congressman Henry Waxman.

"The Santa Monica YMCA will become and is the pride of Santa Monica," said former mayor and incoming YMCA board president Nat Trives during a brief ceremony in the new facility's double-sized gymnasium.

Trives reminisced about playing basketball as a youngster in the YMCA's old gym and said he looked forward to challenging Police Chief James T. Butts, Jr. -- a basketball enthusiast -- in the new gym.

YMCA officials recounted the tireless efforts of volunteers and staff in raising $8.8 million over the course of five years to complete Phase III of the organization's Capital Expansion Project Campaign.

"At times I felt like a high jumper, clearing one height only to have the bar raised yet again," said Richard E. Lawrence, who chaired the YMCA's capital campaign. "I am pleased that at each level we were able to scale the bar, thanks largely to grants and gifts from individuals."

After the ceremony, celebrants were treated to tours of the new facility and buffet dinner. Tours were led by YMCA staff, who highlighted features of each of the three floors that overlook a spacious lobby.

One floor will cater to young children. The Y is currently in the process of obtaining licensing to offer nursery and preschool. Small children will have their own play area and recreation rooms outfitted with miniature colorful plastic furniture.

The second floor will serve senior citizens. Instead of plastic furniture, the seniors' floor features upholstered furniture in gray-carpeted conference rooms.

The top floor is designed for teenagers and features the only workout space in California with equipment designed for youth 11 to 17. A law library will serve teens participating in the Youth & Government program. There are also plenty of spaces to hang out.

"What do teens like to do?" asked one staff member. "They like to hang out, and we give them a safe place to hang out."