Pittsfield YMCA Modernizes, Expands Child Care
PITTSFIELD — MassDevelopment has partnered with Lee Bank, Adams Community Bank, and Greylock Credit Union to provide $6.5 million in loan financing to Berkshire Family Young Men’s Christian Association, Inc. (Berkshire Family YMCA), which is using proceeds to renovate and expand its main facility at 292 North St. in downtown Pittsfield.
Constructed in 1909, the historic building’s last major renovation took place in 1981. As part of this new renovation, Berkshire Family YMCA is building an accessible indoor track for exercise and rehabilitation purposes for use by people of all abilities, adding a youth basketball court, and upgrading its fitness center. The organization is also creating newly configured program spaces and updating restrooms, improvements that will increase capacity of its nationally accredited child development program to serve an additional 25 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
MassDevelopment provided a $5 million loan, with Adams Community Bank, Greylock Credit Union, and Lee Bank each providing $500,000 loans. The project is also supported by a $1 million Massachusetts Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) grant.
“Providing access to fitness opportunities, youth programming, and affordable child care are but a few ways YMCAs help boost local economies and the overall wellbeing of communities,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, who serves as chair of MassDevelopment’s Board of Directors. “MassDevelopment’s expertise and relationships with banks are valuable resources for nonprofits like the Y that are looking to upgrade facilities and meet demand.”
“MassDevelopment is proud to support Berkshire Family YMCA as the organization modernizes its space to better serve its clients, including by increasing child care capacity for 25 additional children,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera. “We appreciate our partners in Lee Bank, Adams Community Bank, and Greylock Credit Union for working together with us to make this project happen.”
Berkshire Family YMCA consists of three branches serving Berkshire County and Southern Vermont: a Pittsfield branch located at 292 North St. in Pittsfield, a Northern Berkshire branch located at 22 Brickyard Court in North Adams, and the Bennington Recreation Center branch located at 655 Gage St. in Bennington Vt.