TownLake YMCA eyes major redevelopment with housing
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A rendering of the proposed TownLake YMCA. Rendering: Courtesy of Greater Austin YMCA
The Greater Austin YMCA is proposing a sweeping redevelopment of its more than 50-year-old TownLake facility, reimagining the site as a mixed-use hub with housing, child care and expanded social service programs.
Why it matters: The overhaul would modernize the Y's flagship campus into a larger 110,000-square-foot facility anchored by three residential towers — a scale of development that would mark a major shift in the area just west of downtown.
Driving the news: Kathy Kuras, president and CEO of Greater Austin YMCA, presented the nonprofit's plans in a City Council work session this week.
- YMCA is seeking a special designation, known as planned unit development, for a large or complex single or multi-use development.
Zoom in: If the proposal passes city reviews, the 4.8-acre project would include up to 750 condominiums, with a minimum of 90 affordable housing units reserved for households earning 30% to 80% of Austin's median family income.
- The Y's proposal for the site includes a 13,000 square-foot daycare; 4,500 square feet of youth development programs; space for mental health and counseling services; a small performing arts theater; a rooftop garden; coworking space; art studios; a pool; and workout space.
- "We think this is a rare and amazing opportunity to build housing for larger households and families with children in the downtown area," Walter Moreau, executive director of affordable housing nonprofit Foundation Communities, told City Council members in Tuesday's work session. Foundation Communities is partnering with the Greater Austin YMCA to manage the affordable housing component of the project.
What they're saying: "The current TownLake facility is nearing the end of its lifespan, and improvements are vital," Kuras tells Axios.
- "Redeveloping the site will create a modernized, 110,000-square-foot YMCA that reinvigorates our mission, strengthens programs across the entire city and continues to serve as an economic engine for all YMCAs across the city."
The other side: Some nearby residents are critical of the possible zoning change that would allow three towers — with a maximum building height of 425 feet — to be built in an area that has a current zoning of 60 feet.
- "We agree on the need of a refreshed YMCA," Steve Amos, chair of the Old West Austin Neighborhood Association, told council members Tuesday, but warned that the plans could be "a slippery slope for development in an area right now that's nothing like this."
Between the lines: The TownLake YMCA's update is part of a wider effort by the organization to identify properties that can be updated after the pandemic highlighted Austin's increasing need for affordable housing, mental health support and child care, per YMCA Greater Austin.
- New Four Points YMCA, Central Office and East Communities YMCA are also being considered for reimagining, per the nonprofit.
What's next: Greater Austin YMCA plans to submit its development application, which will be reviewed by multiple city departments before it heads back to City Council for consideration.
- If the application is approved, TownLake YMCA is expected to remain open during the redevelopment process and break ground in 2028.