Creating a Greater Sense of Belonging at the Y
The McGaw YMCA has launched a multi-phase Signage & Wayfinding project aimed at improving signage and navigation within the 1000 Grove Street building. This initiative involves analyzing existing signage and implementing a new, more intuitive system to help people find their way around the YMCA more efficiently. By doing so, the project aligns with McGaw YMCA's mission to provide equitable access to transformational experiences and its vision of being a place of belonging for all. The project seeks to elevate the experience for members, staff and visitors, making it easier and more enjoyable to navigate the facility and access amenities, programs, and resources.
Project Goals
McGaw YMCA recognizes the importance of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals who engage with our facility. The Signage & Wayfinding project is driven by our commitment to meet the following goals:
- Create a welcoming and user-friendly experience at McGaw YMCA, prioritizing the needs of first-time visitors, members, residents, and staff.
- Develop a cohesive and visually pleasing wayfinding system to facilitate navigation around the building, making it easier and more enjoyable to access amenities, programs, and resources.
- Use signage and visual elements that strengthen the YMCA brand and complement the architecture, history, and ambiance of the building.
- Identify opportunities to use visual elements that highlight the McGaw YMCA’s heritage and celebrate its diversity.
- Use universal symbols and color coding on signage to help improve the wayfinding experience for multilingual audiences.
- Establish signage standards that are flexible, easy to maintain, and affordable.
- Adopt a minimalist approach to signage to reduce visual clutter and prevent confusion and frustration among visitors.
- Bring signage into compliance with building code, ADA (the Americans with Disabilities Act), and life-safety requirements.
New Terminology
We’ve adopted consistent names for amenities, entrances, and parking lots. This common language will improve accessibility, simplify directions, and support more flexible use of spaces
Updated Maps
We’re providing updated maps to showcase our enhanced color-coding system and streamlined terminology for identifying entrances, elevators, stairs, and parking lots. (Maps for each floor will be finalized soon!)
Project Scope
To address the complex wayfinding needs in the 1000 Grove Street building, McGaw Y has partnered with experts at Selbert Perkins Design in Chicago who specialize in creating signage and wayfinding solutions. The project will be paid for with capital improvement funds and will take several years to finish.
The project will address four main areas:
- Interior Signage and Wayfinding
- Exterior Signage and Parking Lots
- Donor Recognition and Heritage Signage
- Men’s Residence including common areas (after its renovation)
Project Timeline (estimated)
Planning
Initial analysis and planning phase.
Interior Signs & Wayfinding
Room signs and directional signage inside of the building.
Exterior Signs & Parking Lots
Signs outside of the building and in parking lots.
Donor Recognition & Heritage Signage
Signage that recognizes donors, volunteers, and the Y's heritage.
Men's Residence
Signage on residence floors and in common areas after renovation is complete.
Project Updates
McGaw YMCA to Honor Emerson Street Y in New Signage PlanÂ
McGaw YMCA is set to begin new interior signage installations, including the “Emerson Street Walkway,” honoring the legacy of the historic Emerson Street YMCA. EVANSTON, IL. — McGaw YMCA is […]
Signage & Wayfinding Installation Begins Soon
We’re excited to share that the installation of interior signage and wayfinding graphics will begin shortly. This is a key milestone in our Signage & Wayfinding project, aimed at improving […]
McGaw YMCA Launches Signage & Wayfinding Project
The project aims to improve how visitors find their way around the 1000 Grove Street building.  EVANSTON, IL – McGaw YMCA is excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive […]
CONTACT US
For more information about the Signage & Wayfinding project, contact Evangeline Semark, McGaw YMCA Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.