The renovation will correct problems and update systems to provide program participants with a facility that meets current requirements for safety, comfort and accessibility. Consolidating and optimizing the current square footage will expand capacity, improve security and advance the ability of YWCA to provide more effective and efficient services.

Project Details

The timing for the planned renovation couldn’t be better. With its prominent downtown location, YWCA has been identified, along with the abutting Worcester Public Library, as a “key destination within the District” in the City of Worcester’s Downtown Urban Revitalization Plan, submitted to Housing and Urban Development in April 2016. YWCA’s planned renovation helps to visibly integrate the facility into this fast-developing area of Worcester’s downtown revitalization, making YWCA a welcoming and accessible community resource. YWCA renovations fit squarely in line with the City of Worcester’s revitalization goals.

Site Enhancements

Renovation - Site Enhancements

  • Improved traffic flow, childcare drop-off and parking
  • Maintain parking count
  • Dedicated playgrounds away from the busy intersection and securely separated from the street
  • Enhanced street presence through new site elements such as:
    • Signage
    • Lighting
    • Landscape
    • Canopy at main entrance
  • Shared play area with Worcester Public Library

Building Upgrades

  • System upgrades
  • Zoned heating and air conditioning
  • Energy efficient and code compliant systems
  • Address deferred maintenance
  • Partial roof repairs
  • Repointing of exterior masonry
  • New windows and doors
  • Restore historic elements to preserve original and unique features
  • Refresh interior finishes and provide better storage options
  • Compliance with life safety and accessibility requirements

Early Education & Care

Renovation - Early Education & Care

  • Department moves from single floor to two stacked floors
  • Large center feels small and intimate; more visible at main entry
  • Dedicated playgrounds for toddlers and preschoolers with better proximity to classrooms
  • Increased Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) rating appeals to private clients
  • Additional classroom for pre-K
  • Natural daylight provided to every classroom
  • Shared child restrooms directly adjacent to each classroom
  • Integrated STEM programming; portable resources
  • Enhanced employee breakroom
  • Parent-Teacher conference room created

Domestic Violence Services

Domestic Violence Services

  • Increased space to meet program demand and requirements
  • Self-contained program areas
  • Separate private, secure entrance
  • Dedicated private counseling spaces for
  • large groups, families and one-on-one meetings

Wellness & Health Equity

Renovation - Health & Wellness Equity

  • Reduced footprint within building
  • Multi-use fitness area adjacent to gym
  • Designated women-only fitness area
  • Refreshed gymnasium, locker room and pool areas
  • Easier access to WHE spaces for childcare, YPP and Girls CHOICE

Women’s Economic Empowerment

Renovation - Women's Economic Empowerment

  • Flexible classroom space to accommodate both the Young Parent Program and Girls CHOICE
  • Dedicated counseling rooms for one-on-one meetings

Transitional Housing

Renovation - Transitional Housing

  • Increased capacity by 4 rooms
  • Standardized room sizes
  • Accessible unit and bathroom facilities on each floor
  • Laundry room on each floor
  • Efficient and welcoming common areas
  • Dedicated after-hours entrance