Former YMCA Building in Norwich Transformed: New Office Headquarters, Brew Pub, and Apartments Set to Revitalize Downtown
The once vibrant YMCA building in Norwich, Connecticut is set to undergo a remarkable transformation, breathing new life into downtown. The former YMCA, which closed its doors in 2009 due to financial troubles, had been a symbol of neglect and blight for the past decade. However, thanks to a collaborative effort and a $5 million investment from Mattern Construction, the building will be revitalized into a multi-purpose space consisting of office headquarters, a brew pub, and several apartments.
At a groundbreaking ceremony held on August 3, over 50 individuals gathered in the dilapidated parking lot, reminiscing about their childhood memories of playing basketball, swimming lessons, and pool parties at the once-thriving YMCA. Kevin Brown, president of Norwich Community Development Corporation, expressed the community’s long-held hope for a transformation of the building. He stated, For a long time, people have wished this YMCA building could become something. Today we’re here to do something about it.
Mattern Construction, the sole bidder for the property after the city took ownership, will lead the renovation project. The plan involves repurposing the majority of the building as the company’s new office headquarters while also creating commercial spaces. Additionally, a brew pub and six to eight apartments will be developed on part of the property. The project received funding from various sources, including a $2 million Community Challenge grant from the state Department of Economic and Community Development, a $400,000 grant from Norwich through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, and a federal environmental cleanup grant from the Capitol Region Council of Governments.
Eric Mattern, president of Mattern Construction, shared his personal connection to the YMCA, as he and his father were members in the past. He revealed that the environmental cleanup is scheduled to commence soon, with the brew pub targeted to be the first area renovated and open to the public by next summer. Subsequent renovations will follow, culminating in Mattern Construction relocating its headquarters to the revitalized building by early 2025.
The transformation of the former YMCA building is part of a broader initiative to revitalize downtown Norwich. Various projects, fueled by federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, are already underway. The Hotel Callista, a boutique hotel with 24 rooms, will soon open in the former Elks Club building located across from the YMCA. Additionally, the Reid & Hughes Building has been renovated into 17 apartments, thanks in part to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Norwich Luxury Apartments is another ongoing project, converting two historic five-story buildings into 42 apartments named Water Street Lofts.
DECD Deputy Commissioner Robert Hotaling praised the YMCA transformation as an excellent example of adaptive reuse and expressed high hopes for its impact on the community. He stated, We hope that this is just one of the anchors as we go across this community. There are great expectations and outcomes we expect to come from this project and others. Hotaling eagerly anticipated returning to the building and enjoying a refreshing beverage from the brew pub.
As Norwich continues its downtown revitalization efforts, the progressive transformation of the former YMCA building stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and determination. With the implementation of various projects, the city aims to not only restore these historic landmarks but also reignite economic growth and improve the quality of life for all residents.
