Raising the Roof (Literally)

We sent a whole crew of brave, hardworking professionals way up into the air to take on one of our biggest challenges: the roof. For years, it did its best, but between rainstorms, persistent leaks, and strategically placed buckets catching indoor “rivers,” it was clear some serious attention was needed.

We’re not finished yet—but we are making real progress, and we promise we’re getting there. Repairs and improvements are underway to stop the leaks, strengthen the structure, and protect everything happening underneath that roof. Each step forward means fewer buckets, drier floors, and a building that’s better equipped to serve our YMCA community for many years to come.

Fire Alarm Frenzy



Sandblasting chaos kicked off—and so did the fire alarm. (Seriously, those things are loud.) Between a little smoke and a lot of movement, we confirmed two things: we can clear a building pretty quickly, and our staff is now well-practiced in a real-life fire alarm situation.

The good news? The sandblasting was a VERY important step in our progress. This process removed old coatings, rust, and buildup from our structural columns, giving us a clean, solid surface to work with. It’s a critical part of reinforcing and protecting the columns so they remain strong, safe, and ready to support our facility—and our YMCA community—for the next 50 years. A little noise, a little excitement, and a big step forward.

The Great Wall… Removal

Yes, we really did have an elephant-sized hole in the side of our building.

Why the hole, you ask? After taking a closer look, we realized a little extra action—and some added reinforcement—was the smart move. A section of brick was leaning just enough to make us uncomfortable, and “leaning building” was not part of the long-term plan.

So out came the bricks and in came the reinforcements, ensuring the structure is safe, solid, and built to last for decades to come. Along the way, we enjoyed some unexpected fresh air and even hosted a few temporary birdie friends who clearly thought we were expanding. Progress isn’t always pretty—but it’s always worth it.