For decades, the GLOW YMCA anchored recreation in Genesee County, but aging facilities—and demand for additional programming, fitness and healthcare—pushed both the YMCA and connected Rochester Regional Health's United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) past their limits. More than a renovation, Batavia's growing population needed a purpose-built campus for a community on the rise.
Client
GLOW YMCA
Location
Batavia, New York
Total Project Cost
$30 M
Photographer
Shutts Productions, LLC
Key Contact
Rachel Nilson
Completed
2025
Size
80,000 sq. ft.
Services
Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Plumbing Engineering, Construction Administration
Our Community & Culture Practice team was engaged to envision this facility from the ground-up, leveraging insights from engagement with YMCA staff, UMMC clinicians, city officials and neighboring organizations to ensure every element would authentically reflect local priorities.
The resulting two-story, 80,000 sq. ft. Healthy Living Campus is uniquely tailored to the rhythms of Batavia's residents. Unlike traditional YMCA models that rely heavily on multipurpose rooms, the complex houses specialized spaces for distinct programs.
A regulation gymnasium with an indoor track, a fully equipped athletic pool, dedicated fitness studios and expansive weight training areas support structured recreation and personal wellness.
Adjacent classrooms host everything from cooking classes in a teaching kitchen to programs for school-aged children, while pre-K spaces provide early learning opportunities with room for further expansion.
A standout element is the “Kid’s Adventure” space—an immersive play structure that fosters motor skill development and encourages active exploration.
Complementing these recreational features, a complete medical suite on the upper level—staffed and operated by UMMC—offers exam and consultation services that integrate preventative care directly into the daily life of the campus.
This dual-purpose approach allows families to receive medical treatment and participate in fitness and educational activities without ever leaving the site.
Outside, a welcoming courtyard extends the center’s programming beyond its walls and serves as the backdrop for seasonal gatherings, including an annual summer concert series. Clear circulation paths separate pedestrian, vehicular and patient access, augmenting safety and ensuring an intuitive experience for all who visit.
Today, the Healthy Living Campus stands as a transformative civic asset—one that elevates public health, enriches community life and creates room for growth year over year. Transcending mere replacement, it represents a bold reinvestment in Batavia's future and a model for how targeted collaboration can reshape an entire region's quality of life.
