The Dowd YMCA’s fancy multi-million dollar expansion is now open, including a CrossFit gym, yoga and barre studios and a rooftop track

It’s the biggest glow up of 2018 for Charlotte’s busiest YMCA branch. You won’t even recognize it.

The $29.5 million project funded primarily through donor contributions adds 40,000 square feet of space to the existing 140,000-square-foot flagship location.

The project also included the addition of a new 383-space parking deck that opened earlier this year and a $1.6 million Atrium Health clinic.

Operations have shifted into the newly opened expansion on the Morehead side of the facility while much of the existing building is now closed for phase two renovations.

It’ll take you a minute to get your bearings straight, but plenty of signage and lots of employees on hand to give tours will get you up to speed.

The brand new CrossFit gym, yoga studio and barre studio are on the ground level.

Click here to check the schedule for these offerings. Filter by branch (Dowd) and desired class (Yoga/Flexibility, Pilates/Barre/Core or $ PAID GROUP TRAINING for CrossFit).

CrossFit – CrossFit requires an additional monthly fee. Drop in classes are $18, monthly unlimited memberships are $90, monthly unlimited couples memberships are $150 and flex passes are available for 10 sessions for $110. YMCA members only. First class free. Email [email protected] for info. More details.

Yoga – Yoga classes are included in your YMCA membership. Upwards of a dozen classes are offered daily featuring various styles, including deep stretch, power yoga and chair yoga. Hot yoga is on the way.

Barre – Barre and mat pilates classes are included in your YMCA membership. (Special reformer pilates classes are also available in a new reformer studio for an additional fee. Details.)

You’ll find the main open gym with free weights, racks and other equipment upstairs and a one-of-a-kind outdoor track up on the roof.

The gym area is gorgeous with brand new equipment, tons of mirrors and huge floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of Uptown.

But the rooftop track is a showstopper. It can accommodate events up to 550 people and will be used for things like yoga and outdoor movies.

More construction is on the way with phase 2 renovations to the existing building. Here are some additional changes underway or coming soon:

• Racquetball courts are closed ahead of demo and renovation
• The cafe is gone (but they’re exploring new on-site food options)
• Most cardio equipment has moved to Hines Gym
• Keith Gym will close July 23 for renovation
• Family locker rooms will close August 4 through October 25 for upgrades
• Underwood Gym will close August 4 for refinishing the floors (pick-up basketball will be unavailable)
• The pool will close at 1 p.m. on August 4 for annual maintenance (Dowd members will have access to the Mecklenburg Country Aquatics Center during the pool closure)

The Dowd YMCA is located at 400 E. Morehead Street. See hours here.

Keep up with ongoing renovation updates here.