Photo courtesy of YWCA Greenwich

The YWCA Greenwich in Connecticut is set to make improvements to its facilities for domestic violence victims and build a 14,500-sq.-ft. addition to its building on East Putnam Avenue.

A major renovation and upgrades to the athletic and educational spaces at the building, located at 259 E. Putnam Ave., are also being sought, according to a recent application submitted to the town planning department for approvals, the Greenwich Time reported April 8.

The YWCA's current building was first built 56 years ago, and since then, the facilities have not kept up with the needs of the organization, according to attorney Bruce Cohen, who is representing the application as it goes through the approval process.

The nonprofit organization provides a range of social services and recreational programs to the Greenwich community.

In addition, the Time noted that the Greenwich YWCA is a major provider of support services for survivors of domestic violence. The proposed addition would provide upgraded facilities for that purpose.

"There have been very few updates to the existing building, which has led to its becoming outdated and undersized for its current operations," Cohen stated in the application narrative. "Accordingly, the YWCA seeks to construct building additions and pursue interior renovations in order to right-size its domestic and sexual violence program space, fix illogical adjacencies and update spaces for existing programs."

The new space also would offer renovated office space to "maximize confidentiality, personal privacy and security," Cohen said.

Plans call for a therapy roof garden to be a part of the new construction as well.

The YWCA has trained staff "who are licensed to provide a variety of victim services, including immediate crisis intervention to help victims cope with physical, emotional and psychological trauma from abuse," according to the organization. Its staff also can arrange emergency shelter.

The proposed expansion also would add more space for group exercise classes, summer camp activities and after-school programs.

YWCA Space in Need of Restructuring

According to the Greenwich news source, the YWCA's addition would be built on the southeast corner of the building.

"Architecturally, the project will include a new, contemporary and welcoming front facade," Cohen noted.

A major renovation and restructuring of the current building, which measures 48,627 sq. ft., also is in the works.

The preschool program would be relocated from various places within the existing building and unified, "bringing the entire preschool together on the same floor and located off the lobby," Cohen told the Time.

Other work planned for the building include:

• Modified and upgraded exercise facilities.
• A break room for YWCA staff.
• The construction of a larger pool deck to ease "crowded and extremely challenging" conditions during large swimming events, according to documents.
• Heating, cooling and plumbing upgrades are proposed to improve energy efficiency within the structure.

The application for site plan approval and a special permit will be heard by the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission later in the year. For now, the approval process is in the preliminary stages.

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