YWCA upgrading, adding new addition to 56-year-old facility
GREENWICH — The YWCA Greenwich is set to make improvements to its facilities for domestic violence victims and build a 14,500 square-foot addition to its building on East Putnam Avenue.
A major renovation and upgrades to the athletic and educational spaces at the building at 259 E. Putnam Ave. are also being sought, according to a recent application submitted to the town planning department for approvals.
The current building used by the YWCA was built in 1968, and the facilities have not kept up with the needs of the organization, according to attorney Bruce Cohen, who is representing the application in the approval process. The nonprofit organization provides a range of social service and recreational programs to the community.
“There have been very few updates to the existing building, which has led to its becoming outdated and undersized for its current operations,” Cohen stated in the application narrative. “Accordingly, the YWCA seeks to construct building additions and pursue interior renovations in order to right-size its domestic and sexual violence program space, fix illogical adjacencies and update spaces for existing programs.”
The YWCA is a major provider of support services for survivors of domestic violence. The proposed addition would provide upgraded facilities for that purpose. The new space would offer renovated office space to “maximize confidentiality, personal privacy and security,” Cohen said. A therapy roof garden would also be part of the new construction.
The YWCA has trained staff “who are licensed to provide a variety of victim services, including immediate crisis intervention to help victims cope with physical, emotional and
psychological trauma from abuse,” according to the organization. The non-profit can also arrange emergency shelter.
The addition would be
built on the southeast corner of the building.
“Architecturally, the project will include a new, contemporary and welcoming front facade,” Cohen noted.
The proposed addition would also add more space for group exercise classes, summer camp activities and after-school programs.
A major renovation and restructuring of the current building, which measures 48,627 square feet, is also planned.
The preschool program would be relocated from various places within the existing building and unified, “bringing the entire preschool together on the same floor and located off the lobby,” according to the YWCA lawyer. The exercise facilities would also be modified and upgraded. A break room for staff is planned. A larger pool deck would be built, easing “crowded and extremely challenging” conditions during large swimming events, the documents show. Heating, cooling and plumbing work is also being proposed to improve energy efficiency within the structure.
The application for site plan approval and a special permit will be heard by the Planning & Zoning Commission later in the year. The approval process is in the preliminary stages.