The YMCA of Honolulu Central branch across from Ala Moana Center will temporarily close on Feb. 28 for a redevelopment project that will result in a smaller Y building next to a 128-unit condominium on its 1.8-acre property on Atkinson Drive, a spokeswoman confirmed to PBN on Monday.
It’s estimated that it will take about 20 months for construction with a planned reopening of the new YMCA in November or December 2016, Lisa Ontai, spokeswoman for the Honolulu-based nonprofit told PBN.
The proposed condo, called “Aloha Kai,” came under some criticism with concerns arising over obstructed view plains and traffic, but ultimately, those concerns were not enough for the City and County of Honolulu not to approve the zone change for the project.
The new YMCA will encompass 30,000 square feet with no residential units, a swimming pool and a sophisticated aqua facility that will cater particularly to seniors.
The YMCA of Honolulu’s flagship Nuuanu branch, as PBN first reported, also is looking at undergoing a $20 million makeover, including a $5 million parking structure above its surface parking lot, as part of a 10-year master plan, which began two years ago.
Ontai said it expects to conduct a feasibility study regarding this branch in the next three to four months to determine which phases of the master plan could be supported by a capital campaign.
On Monday, the YMCA said it is looking to either sell or lease its Atherton branch in Manoa, directly across from the University of Hawaii campus, which has origins that date back to 1908 when the building was developed to facilitate student conferences on the UH Manoa campus. In 1932, the Charles H. Atherton House was donated to the YMCA to be utilized as a resident facility for university students, its website said.
Duane Shimogawa Reporter – Pacific Business News
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.