The first YMCA Camp and Conference Center in the world, started completely from scratch in nearly 50 years, had previously completed "Phase I" including utility, circulation, and support structures. We were approached by the architect of that first phase to work with them on "Phase II", a 9.6 million dollar expansion to provide extended services to the community.

Phase II consists of "Village" cabins and washhouses to accommodate overnight/resident camping, a Dining Hall with meeting rooms, and a Recreation Building with indoor pool, exercise rooms, and a gymnasium. We were the architects of the Recreation Building.

This structure has a "public" entry off the parking areas, and a "camper" entry adjacent to existing hardcourts that are used for camps during summer months. The courts are an extension of the indoor activities of the gymnasium. The 25 yard by 6 lane swimming pool and 2 one meter high diving boards are equipped to meet high school competition requirements. The natatorium also features spectator seating, a north facing clerestory window, and diffuse light from a central skylight.

The building consists of low maintenance materials such as ground faced and glazed concrete masonry walls, stained scored concrete and ceramic tile floors, and stainless steel and aluminum fixtures. The structure of the roof is glued laminated heavy timber trusses with tongue and grove wood decking. This "visible" structure is designed to enhance and coordinate with the outdoor/natural materials feeling of all the buildings on this unique campus. The exterior walls are split faced concrete masonry, and the large standing seam metal roof matches the family of existing buildings at the camp.

Cost
$3,400,000

Size
29,200 s.f.

Owner
Sherman Lake
YMCA Outdoor Center

Consultants

Associated Architects
Slocum Associates
Parchment, Michigan

Engineering
R.C. Byce & Associates
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Conceptual Design
Gordy Rogers
Pentwater, Michigan

Construction Managers
Miller-Davis Co.
Kalamazoo, Michigan