EVANSTON, ILLINOIS (MAY 9, 2022) — McGaw YMCA revealed a new model room for the Men’s Residence Renovation Project. McGaw Y Board Chair Janine Hill and President/CEO Monique Parsons welcomed guests to tour the new room along with special guest Jonathan Nieuwsma, Council Member for the 4th Ward where the YMCA is located.

The YMCA announced in February plans to renovate and modernize its Men’s Residence facilities in the historic 1000 Grove Street building. The renovation project will transform the YMCA’s 92-year-old Single Room Occupancy (SRO) dormitory style residences through a lens of equity, providing comfortable, functional, safe and modern living spaces that speak to each resident’s dignity and privacy. The renovation plans include a new private entrance for resident men, additional program areas, and shared community spaces where residents can come together, connect, and unwind.

During the event, McGaw Y staff provided an overview of the renovation plans followed by small group tours that featured the location of the new private entrance for the Men’s Residence, expanded program space, and a new model room that was built to display how a typical single-occupancy room will look, feel, flow and function following the renovation.

McGaw YMCA is currently seeking $3 million in ARPA Funding from the City of Evanston along with leadership gifts to help fund the modernization project, which includes the temporary relocation of men living at McGaw Y, renovation, furnishings, and extended maintenance into the future.

The YMCA is planning to break ground on the renovation in mid-2023 or after securing $9 million in funding. The renovated facility is expected to open in 2024.