
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS (FEBRUARY 4, 2022) – The McGaw YMCA announced today plans to renovate and modernize its Men’s Residence facilities. The YMCA is currently completing the design development phase of this plan and seeking leadership gifts to fund the project. Equity and public health, with an emphasis on safety and improved quality of life, are driving this project. The urgency for fundraising and renovation is built around the men who call McGaw Y home.
Built in 1930, the McGaw YMCA Men’s Residence Program at 1000 Grove Street is scheduled for a long-overdue transformation with a cost totaling $12.6 million. The renovation and modernization plan will transform the 156 Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units and expand the footprint of shared bathroom and showers to ensure safety, privacy and dignity. Laundry and food preparation facilities will be added to each floor in addition to upgraded mechanical and lighting throughout. A private entrance will lead to a new lobby area that will house flexible programming space, staff offices and an additional kitchen.
The Thomas F. and Susan P. Moran Family Foundation has generously committed the first $1.6M to underwrite the pre-development costs and launch the Men’s Residence Renovation Project. With this leadership gift and donor support, McGaw YMCA has engaged LCM Architects, Bulley & Andrews and CCJM, to thoughtfully design accessible and modern space within 92-year-old building.
“This grand facility fills a great need in Evanston. We provide holistic services that meet our Resident Members where they are in life. Historically, we have gone from a place that simply housed men, to a place that really knows our men. We build relationships with them so that we can actually help address their everyday needs and personal goals,” stated Monique Parsons, President/CEO. “This renovation is a commitment to our men in helping them build their better life.”
Architectural renderings and floorplans for the men’s residence modernization project can be viewed here: Men’s Residence Renovation Project & Rendering.
Recognition opportunities are available including the entrance, lobby communal space and SRO units. For more information about the campaign and how to give, contact Jodi Wickersheimer, Chief Development Officer, at [email protected] or by calling 847-475-7400 extension 237.
To learn more about how the McGaw Men’s Residence program addresses housing insecurity in Evanston, view the “At Home At 1000 Grove” video at the link below.
Watch “At Home At 1000 Grove” Video
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To support the McGaw YMCA’s work with a one-time donation of any size, or to set up a recurring donation, please visit our online donation system at the link below.