Watertown YMCA community center project costs go up to $27.5 million
WATERTOWN — The cost of the Watertown Family YMCA’s downtown community and aquatics center project has jumped to $27.5 million, up from an earlier projection of $20 million.
YMCA Executive Director Denise Young confirmed that the project’s costs have gone up, but said construction in the former call center at 146 Arsenal St. is anticipated to begin in April.
Even with the cost increase, the YMCA intends to complete the same project that offers a variety of amenities and programs that it has always wanted to accomplish with the community and aquatics center, she said.
“We can still do everything we wanted to do,” she said.
The building will be converted into a facility with a six-lane lap pool, a separate full-size recreational pool, two full-size tennis courts with an elevated running track and several other amenities.
The YMCA is applying for $5 million in state Consolidated Funding Application money to help offset the cost increase.
To help with some infrastructures work related to the project, the project partners will ask for financial help from the city.
The Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, a sister organization of Jefferson County Economic Development, still owns the building, but plans to turn it over to the YMCA after some remaining remediation work is completed.
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