Improving the Embarcadero YMCA for Our Members: Progress as of 8/1/18
Update 8/1/18
Dear Embarcadero YMCA Members,
We are excited to announce the final phase of our Member Experience Project! Projects will include:
• Locker room upgrades with new lockers, carpeting, paint, amenities, and deep clean of wet areas.
• Entrance Lobby upgrades, including a new Welcome Desk, Member Lounge, and Member Workstations.
• Drain and deep clean of Activity Pool, Swimming Pool, and Jacuzzi.
The Embarcadero YMCA will close from August 18 through September 3, to complete this phase. We will re-open on Tuesday, September 4.
Rental lockers must be cleared out by Friday, August 10. Members will NOT be charged for their locker in the month of August. Lockers still occupied after August 10 will have locks cut and any items inside will be disposed of.
Remember, your membership is now nationwide! Members have access to all branches in the San Francisco Bay Area. Please see Member Services for more information on branch locations and schedules.
Update 7/1/18
Dear Embarcadero YMCA Members,
Phase III: Locker Room and Lobby Renovations
We are excited to announce the final phase of our Member Experience Project! The Embarcadero YMCA will close from August 18 through September 3, 2018 to complete Phase III. Projects will include:
• Upgrade locker rooms with new lockers, carpeting, fresh paint, upgraded amenities, and deep clean of wet areas.
• Renovation of Entrance Lobby including a new Welcome Desk, Member Lounge, and workstations for member use.
• Drain and deep clean of Activity Pool, Swimming Pool, and Jacuzzi.
Note: Members renting a locker will need to have lockers cleared out by Sunday August 12. Members will NOT be charged for their locker in the month of August. Remember, your membership is now nationwide! Members have access to all branches in the San Francisco Bay Area. Please see Member Services for more information on branch locations and schedules.
Phase II: Fitness Center Renovation Review
We want to thank all of you for your patience and continued support of the Embarcadero YMCA throughout the three-month Fitness Center Renovation! In July, we are continuing to upgrade the third-floor WIFI and cable TV. In August, we will complete the final changes on the third floor, which include upgrading the lobby area outside of our studios, installation of mirrors, and final equipment adjustments and placement. We hope you have been enjoying the layout and benefits of your Fitness Center. Upgrades include:
• Open and modern feel.
• Increased square footage for functional training and stretching.
• New Wellness Center for Member Launch Appointments and Personal Training orientations.
• New gender-neutral and ADA compliant restrooms.
• New water filter stations.
Update 6/1/18
Dear Embarcadero YMCA Members,
We want to thank you for your patience and understanding throughout the current phase of our renovation. Due to delays in the arrival of new lighting fixtures and final inspections we’ve had to shift our reopening. On June 11th we welcome everyone to join us in our new space. Our new Fitness Center will feature new amenities that we hope everyone will appreciate. We’ve expanded our floor space, created new workout areas, opened up walls for better air flow, and exposed and opened our ceilings. Additionally there will be a new area for our Wellness Coaching and Personal Training team to offer workshops, health talks, provide workouts of the day, and healthy fitness tips. This project has expanded our intent to provide the best experience for every member that joins our Y. We are committed to making our Y the very best it can be. We are excited to share the final phase of our renovation project for the Men’s and Women’s Locker Rooms and an early start to our annual maintenance projects.
THINGS TO KNOW:
- To move all the equipment out of the Basketball Gym we will be closing the entire 3rd Floor from Friday, June 8th at 6pm until Monday, June 11th at 5:30am.
- During Phase III, the Embarcadero YMCA will be closed August 18 through September 3, 2018 (dates may change).
PHASE III WILL INCLUDE:
- New wood finish lockers, carpet, fresh paint, and upgraded amenities.* (day and kit lockers will remain the same size)
- Deep cleaning of entire locker room, including showers, steam rooms, dry saunas, etc.
- Draining and deep cleaning the pool.
- Updates for our group exercise studio.
- Fresh paint and deep cleaning of all our shared member areas.
*Please note—if you currently rent an overnight kit locker, you will receive a separate email in July with more details about how to transition to your new kit locker.
Stay up to date with project plans by visiting our blog for updates and photos as we shift our focus into Phase III. As always, our Personal Training and Wellness Coaches are here to help you during this transition so please reach out to us with any questions about workouts, tips and tricks, or new fitness trends. Thank you for your continued patience!
Update 5/16/18
Dear Embarcadero YMCA Members,
I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding throughout the current phase of our renovation. I have great news and some important updates to share with you.
1. The newly renovated Fitness Center and Basketball Gym will reopen on June 4th. (5 days ahead of schedule) To move all the equipment out of the Basketball Court we will be closing the entire third floor from Friday, June 1st at 6pm until Monday, June 4th at 5:30am.
2. Additionally, I am excited to announce the final part of our renovation project, Phase III, the Men's and Women's Locker Rooms, which includes annual maintenance projects.
During Phase III, the Embarcadero YMCA will be closed August 18 through September 3, 2018 (dates subject to change). Phase III will include:
• New wood finish lockers, carpet, fresh paint, and upgraded amenities.
• Deep cleaning of entire locker room, including showers, steam rooms, dry saunas, etc.
• Draining and deep cleaning the pool.
• New lockers. Please note that if you currently rent an overnight kit locker you will receive a separate email in July with more details about how to transition to your new kit locker.
Because of Phase III's facility closing, we will not have a shutdown-week during the month of November. Ultimately, allowing you to have full access to your Embarcadero YMCA throughout the end-of-year holidays.
Thank you for your continued support of the Embarcadero YMCA as we continue to upgrade our facility to best allow you to meet your fitness and health goals.
Please see below for a more detailed calendar and do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Executive Director
UPCOMING CLOSURES
THIRD FLOOR CLOSURE ONLY
Beginning 6:00pm Friday June 1 through June 3, 2018
• NO access to Fitness Equipment: treadmills, strength training machines, free weights, etc.
• NO access to Studio 3
• NO access to Kinesis Studio
• NO access to Basketball Court
The entire third floor will be closed beginning 6:00pm Friday, June 1, through Sunday, June 3, 2018. During this period members and guests will NOT have access to the Fitness Center, Basketball Gym, Kinesis Studio, and Studio 3. Fitness equipment will NOT be available. Group exercise will operate on a modified schedule. The following will operate on a normal schedule: pool, jacuzzi, locker rooms, Cycling Studio, Mind-Body Studio, TRX Studio.
On Monday, June 4, 2018, the fitness equipment, Basketball Gym, Kinesis Studio, and Studio 3 will be ACCESSIBLE to all members and guests. Schedules for Pick-up Basketball, Volleyball, and Group Exercise will be updated.
FULL FACILITY CLOSURE
August 18 - September 3, 2018 (Dates may be subject to change)
• NO access to Fitness Center
• NO access to Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi, Locker Rooms, Saunas, Steam Rooms, etc.
• NO access to Group Exercise
The Embarcadero YMCA will be closed from Saturday, August 18, through Monday, September 3, 2018 (dates may be subject to change). During this time, we will be renovating and upgrading both the men's and women's locker rooms: new lockers, new carpet, and deep clean of all areas. We will also be making final touches to the third-floor Fitness Center renovation.
Update 5/1/18
Dear Embarcadero YMCA Members,
As we head into Week 9 of our three-month construction project, our Temporary Fitness Center, located on the third floor in our basketball court, is open for workouts. We are excited for the next steps in the rebuild of our new fitness facility which will feature improved air flow and ventilation, new fixtures and accent decor, easy flow of access to all your fitness and equipment needs, dedicated squat and bench press areas in our free weight section, and a brand new open floor space for functional training (kettle bells, TRX, Rope training). Additionally, we will have new dedicated areas for boxing, additional shared spaces for stretching and core exercises, and with the extra ceiling height new areas for pull up exercises.
Our group exercise schedule will run on an alternate through June. Our Personal Training and Wellness Coaches are here to help you during this transition so please reach out to us with any questions about workouts, tips and tricks, or new fitness trends. We hope you are excited as we are with all the new features being added to the third floor. Thank you for your continued patience!
Update 4/1/18
Dear Embarcadero YMCA Members,
As we head into Week 5 of our three-month construction project, our Temporary Fitness Center located on the third floor in our basketball court is now open for workouts. Our new fitness facility will feature energy-efficient lighting, high speed WIFI, anti-microbial carpet tiles for easy clean and replacement, impact absorbent rubber flooring in our free weight, and new functional training areas. Additionally, we will have new workout areas for TRX and boxing, additional stretch areas, and nearly an extra foot of ceiling height in some areas.
Our group exercise schedule will run on an alternate schedule from now until June. We are working with the construction team to insure we stay on schedule. We’re here to help you during this transition so please reach out to us with any questions. We hope you are also excited with all the new features being added to the third floor. Thank you for your patience!
Update 3/16/18
Dear Embarcadero YMCA Members,
Thank you for your patience and continued support of the Embarcadero YMCA as we head into Week 2 of our 3-month construction project.
We are happy to announce the opening of the Temporary Fitness Center located on the third floor in our basketball court.
We have moved our cardio and fitness equipment into this temporary area for our members to access.
Saturday, March 17:
• Temporary Fitness Center opens up in Basketball Court
• Updated Group Exercise Schedule
We have started demolition on the third floor—below are pictures of this week’s progress.
Please remember to follow our blog or the most updated information or visit our second-floor lobby to see our construction bulletin board.
Sincerely,
Mick Hughes
Senior Executive Director
Embarcadero YMCA
(415) 615-1312
Update 2/21/18
Dear Embarcadero YMCA Members,
As many of you know, we will begin Phase II of our 3rd-floor fitness area refresh renovation project in early March. We have finalized the schedule with the contractors and we wanted to share the details with you.
The work that will be completed in Phase II is on the third floor only, and will:
- Improve the design and function of the floor to more fully meet your fitness needs.
- Remove walls and an office to create more space for your workouts.
- Open up our ceiling to maximize height options and replace lighting.
- Replace flooring throughout the cardio and free-weight area.
- Upgrade the restrooms to meet current ADA Standards.
To do this work, we will move the equipment currently on the fitness floor into the basketball court (more information about the impacted programs below). Turning the basketball court into a fitness center will require us to close the entire 3rd floor at the beginning and end of the project.
While the 3rd-floor fitness area is closed, all other floors and programs will remain open, including:
- 1st-floor Cycle Studio and TRX Studio
- 2nd-floor pool and locker rooms
- 4th-floor Wellness/Yoga Studio
- All business services and functions will remain open throughout.
3RD FLOOR RENOVATION SCHEDULE
March 10-16: 3rd floor is closed
- 1st, 2nd, 4th floors and roof remain open.
- Group Exercise operates on an adjusted schedule (check online or on the YMCA of San Francisco App).
March 17: Temporary Fitness Center opens up in Basketball Court.
March 17-May 31: Renovation continues on 3rd floor.
- Temporary Fitness Center located in Basketball Court.
- Basketball is available at alternative YMCA locations: Chinatown YMCA, Buchanan YMCA, Presidio YMCA, Oakland YMCA, Berekley YMCA
- Volleyball is available at alternative YMCA locations: Stonestown YMCA, Marin YMCA
- 3rd-floor Group Ex Studio on normal schedule.
- Kinesis Studio on normal schedule.
June 1-8: 3rd floor closed to move fitness equipment into final placement.
June 9: Renovated 3rd floor reopens along with Basketball Court, Group Ex Studio and Kinesis Studio!
I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this project may cause and ask you to keep in mind that our end goal is to improve your experience at the Embarcadero YMCA. When developing this refresh renovation plan we did the following:
- Analyzed current and expected fitness trends.
- Conducted internal and external fitness program and equipment assessments.
- Held online forums with current and past members to gather needs and wants.
- Held in-person interviews with current and past members to gather needs, wants, and to test our plans.
I know you will agree that the Embarcadero YMCA is a very special community due to our amazing members. You all help us provide a welcoming, judgement-free, engaging, and fun environment. We know this renovation will make the Embarcadero YMCA even better. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or one of the following Directors with any questions:
- Stacy Del Monte, Branch Operations Director
- Susanna Schlub, Health and Wellness Director
- Jimmy Beckland, Director of Aquatics
- Jeff Briz, Membership Director
- Martine Hamers, Group Exercise Coordinator
Sincerely,
Mick Hughes
Senior Executive Director
Embarcadero YMCA
chughes@ymcasf.org
(415) 615-1312
Update 12/15/17
The beautiful original brick wall has been exposed and our bright and early-bird members are, once again, enjoying the beautiful San Francisco Bay view!
Update 12/5/17
Three weeks in and progress has been made. The brick wall along the Embarcadero wall has been exposed. To protect the brick, walnut shells were used, instead of sand, to blast the walls clean.
Update: 11/21/2017
It's Day 2 of our renovation project and as you can see, the "construction elves" have created a rather surreal world here at our beloved Embarcadero YMCA.
Embarcadero YMCA Renovation Project
The Embarcadero YMCA has been a space where communities have gathered since 1908. What was originally built as an Army and Navy YMCA, the Embarcadero YMCA has transformed many times over the past 100+ years to serve the ever-changing needs of its membership.
As the Y strives to uphold our facility to high standards, this November, the Embarcadero YMCA will begin its first steps in an improvement project to better serve our community. During the renovation, we will be installing new fitness equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, barbells, abdominal benches, and extra squat racks), creating new designated workout areas to accommodate pull-up bars and functional training, installing a new air conditioning unit for the Group Exercise studio, and upgrading our WiFi and cable TV connections.
To better serve you during this process, we will be updating this blog with time lines, renderings, and other information so that you can stay informed on the progression of this project. If you have any questions or concerns about this upcoming renovation project, please contact Susanna Schlub, Director of Healthy Living, at sschlub@ymcasf.org or stop by her office on the third floor.
New Equipment Coming!
We are looking forward to enhancing your member experience with updated equipment. For more information on how to use these pieces, please see a Wellness Coach on the third floor.
A Birds-eye View
The floor plan will be updated and expanded to create an improved fitness experience for all members. This will include new equipment, new flooring, and designated workout areas to accommodate functional training.
A Modern, Open Feel
We will be updating the ceiling to give the space a more open feel. We will also create designated areas with increased ceiling heights to accommodate pull-up bars and other exercises requiring additional height. The Embarcadero brick wall will be exposed to highlight our rich history along with our beautiful bay views.
Our New Welcome Center
To better serve our members, we will be creating a Welcome Center that will always be staffed with a Wellness Coach. Here you'll be able to get answers to all of your fitness questions and sign-up for complimentary wellness and nutrition sessions.
Project Timeline
Phase I: 11/20/2017 - 12/18/2017
Phase I of the project will include exposure of the Embarcadero brick wall, renovation of the office areas to create more fitness space for members, and updated equipment. The Embarcadero YMCA will be shutdown from Monday, 11/20 to Sunday, 11/26 (with the exception of holiday camp, which will run from Monday, 11/20 to Wednesday, 11/22) and will re-open on Monday, 11/27. During construction from 11/27-12/18, certain areas of the fitness floor may be temporarily re-located or closed. In the event of noise, disposable ear plugs will be available for member use. Please check back as the timeline will be frequently updated with new information.
Phase II: 3/19/2018 - 6/22/2018
Phase II of the project will include renovation of the ceilings, flooring, and Welcome Center. During this time, certain areas of the fitness floor may be temporarily re-located or closed. In the event of noise, disposable ear plugs will be available for member use. Please check back as the timeline will be frequently updated with new information.