West Suburban YMCA purchases Wells Ave. property to create second branch

Newton, MA The West Suburban YMCA completed a major expansion of its commitment to the community through the opening of a second Y branch that will provide current and future members with additional recreational facilities and opportunities for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The charitable nonprofit organization finalized the purchase of 135 Wells Ave., a 61,000 s/f building located on the south side of the city. The facility, previously operated by Boston Sports Clubs, is already equipped with a four-lane swimming pool, fitness area, indoor track and multipurpose fieldhouse for sports and activities.

The Wells Ave. branch, scheduled to open in the fall following renovations, will complement the 276 Church St. building that has been home to the West Suburban YMCA since 1914. Members will be able to make use of both facilities.

“Having been located for over a century in Newton Corner, the northeasterly most village in the city, we are excited to expand our mission to a second branch where our array of programs and recreational assets will be convenient and accessible to members who live throughout the city of Newton and beyond,” said Jack Fucci, president and CEO of the West Suburban YMCA. “As we work to open the Wells Ave. location in the near future, we look forward to expanding our collaboration with strategic partners that include the city of Newton, academic institutions and health care organizations.”

“Congratulations West Suburban YMCA,” said mayor Ruthanne Fuller. “Opening a second facility in Newton will expand access to your terrific social, recreational and educational opportunities for our residents, young and old. The Y is a valued community partner in Newton, providing care during the school year and in the summer so parents can navigate new working models, enabling members to manage their health more effectively, and partnering with our community to feed and care for our most vulnerable residents before, during and after the pandemic.”

To support the Wells Ave. acquisition the West Suburban YMCA received a generous donation of $3 million, the largest in its history, from a Newton family for whom the Y has been central to their lives.

The goal for the gift is to inspire others to support the Y’s mission to increase the capacity of its high-quality youth programs, in particular through basketball, to integrate social-emotional learning, mentorship and character-building for children from all communities and backgrounds.

MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency, is issuing a tax-exempt bond on behalf of the West Suburban YMCA to support the acquisition of the Wells Avenue property, and financing has been provided by Dedham Savings.

The second branch will create a significant employment opportunity, with 100 positions expected to be filled at Wells Avenue. As an employer of choice in the region, the West Suburban YMCA provides a welcoming culture and enjoyable environment where the work truly makes an impact in the community.

“Opening a second West Suburban YMCA location in Newton not only will provide an opportunity for individuals and families to participate in a range of outstanding programming, but will strengthen our community by bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Aaron Goldman, Vice-Chair of the West Suburban YMCA Board of Directors. “We are fully committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, and we can’t wait to open the doors this fall and continue to advance the Y’s mission together.”

The West Suburban YMCA relies on the generosity of the community to ensure that its programs are open and accessible to all. Last year, the organization distributed $489,749 in financial assistance for membership, programs and summer camp. The West Suburban YMCA offers two summer day camps, Camp Pikati in Newton and Camp Chickami in Wayland, along with the overnight Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield.

The West Suburban YMCA is a charitable nonprofit organization that has been a fixture in the Newton community for over 140 years. The Y is committed to strengthening the foundations of the community by supporting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all.