Officials planning $7.4 million renovation of historic Pittsburgh YMCA building
Pittsburgh’s Centre Avenue YMCA served as the center of the city’s African-American community when black people were barred from establishments open exclusively to whites.
Baseball players like Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige roomed there. World Champion Boxer Joe Louis trained in its gym. Singers including Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne performed there along with a host of other musical talents.
Officials announced Friday that the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh and ACTION-Housing will partner on a $7.4 million renovation of the historic Hill District building. The building has served as a rooming house for the working poor since the nearby Thelma Lovette YMCA opened in 2012.
Plans include the renovation of 73 sleeping rooms with new private bathrooms, improvements to a kitchen, common areas and programming space. The roof will be replaced, and there will be upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems and plumbing.
“Being able to do something to renovate this building, to ensure that the history of the building remains, to ensure that the men who live there have a better quality of life, this is what (the project) all about,” said Kevin Bolding, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. “This was the hub of the African-American community.”
Funding is coming through more than 20 sources, including a $1.2 million state grant, officials said during a ceremony at the Wesley Center AME Zion Church, located across the street from the YMCA building. Local foundations and government agencies also pledged contributions.
Speakers noted the building’s historical significance. It was where the Pittsburgh branch of the NAACP and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh were founded, and it served as the social center for generations of black Pittsburghers.
It started in another Hill District building as the Negro YMCA of Pittsburgh, according to Bolding. The current facility was built in 1922.
“I learned how to swim across the street,” said Pittsburgh City Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle of the Hill District. “I learned how to play basketball across the street. I went to summer camps across the street. I worked for the YMCA summer camps, and when I returned as an adult, I began going to community meetings across the street at the YMCA. That building means a lot to me, and it means a lot to this community.”
Lawrence Swanson, ACTION-Housing’s executive director, said the building will be owned by a nonprofit and governed by a board consisting of members from the YMCA, ACTION-Housing and the community.
“It’s simply a new nonprofit,” he said. “Because we have (First National Bank) as an investor, the project for the first five years well be in a partnership with FNB, which allows them to invest money and get historic tax credits. After five years, for a dollar, they will relinquish their interests and then it will be wholly owned by the nonprofit.”
Construction is scheduled to start in coming weeks and take about 10 months to complete. A. Martini & Co. of Verona is the contractor.
“Not only will this help a historically significant institution in the Hill District, but it’s going to help provide sanctuary and qualify of life opportunity for some of our men who are in need,” said State Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Hill District.
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