Sol Harris Day Architecture

Changing demographics and community program needs were the catalysts for a new vision for the Downtown Canton YMCA. Based on a study, the former YMCA recreational facility needed to be "re-invented" into an "urban executive" YMCA model. It was desired to be a workout facility that is not only responsive to its members, but a building that is smaller, more functional, energy efficient and inviting. To this end, the new Eric Snow YMCA aimed to focus on Downtown youth, senior citizens and the local business community.

Services

  • Master Planning
  • Site Selection
  • Visualizations and Graphics
  • Facility Assessments
  • Sustainable Design
  • Architecture
  • Interior Design
  • Estimating/Scheduling

Site Orientation

Built on its former site, the Eric Snow YMCA gained design approval of the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District. As part of the Downtown revitalization, this health and wellness facility was sited to maintain the urban edge along Third Street while providing a public green space at the front of the building along Second Street. The arrangement offers a connection to the adjacent Timken High School green space, creating a park-like feel in this urban area.

The new Eric Snow YMCA building in Downtown Canton resulted in “a new image” and “catalyst” for youth development for urban children.

Tim Shetzer, CEO, YMCA of Central Stark County

Building Organization

SōL Harris/Day took the "vision" and  created a contemporary health and wellness building that is open, functional and sustainable. Designed to meet LEED Silver standards, the energy efficient structure has both clear and translucent window openings to let in natural daylight yet still provide privacy and control glare. The windows also help to highlight the physical activities that occur within the YMCA and the glow of the lights through the openings acts like a beacon to the surrounding area at night. The recreational facility features a gymnasium and warm water pool (catering to youth and seniors) and a second floor wellness area and group exercise room with panoramic views to the adjacent Downtown area.

Highlights

  • Conducted a study that determined that it would be most beneficial to demolish the existing recreational building and construct a new, smaller, more energy efficient YMCA since current utilities were too costly to operate and space was largely underutilized.
  • Exterior materials were chosen to blend with the surrounding buildings. Traditional brick and detailing was used on the outer forms to relate to the historical area with a more contemporary center form, mimicking the landmark architecture of Timken High School. Belden Brick developed two special gray bricks that were used for the center form.
  • Interior materials were chosen to be high quality and low maintenance, allowing the YMCA to easily maintain the building, which in turn ensures the health and wellness center will foster a sense of civic pride. 
  • The red metal highlighting the main entrance along with elements of the interior design created opportunities to showcase the colors of the YMCA brand.
  • Designed to be very open, allowing natural light to filter in and, also, enabling staff to easily monitor access to every workout space from the front reception desk. 
  • Designed with a planned future addition that fills the northeast corner of the site to further define the city block, yet maintain green space. Steps were taken to ensure that utilities could be easily extended and construction of the addition could occur without effecting the operation of the main recreational building.

The Eric Snow YMCA is a clear demonstration of ‘form meets function’. This urban YMCA is not only attractive but utilizes materials and finishes that are durable and easily maintained. The exterior of the building projects a contemporary look and provides strong curb appeal to potential members.

Craig Greenlee, COO, YMCA of Central Stark County

Share This

K-12

Alliance City SchoolsAshland County-West Holmes Career CenterCanton City SchoolsCarrollton Exempted Village SchoolsCentral Catholic High SchoolChippewa Local SchoolsCrestwood Local SchoolsCuyahoga Valley Christian AcademyThe Golden Key for Exceptional ChildrenGreen Local Schools (Green, Ohio)Green Local Schools (Smithville, Ohio)Indian Creek Local SchoolsJackson Local SchoolsLake Local SchoolsMarlington Local SchoolsMassillon City SchoolsNordonia Hills City School DistrictNorth Canton City SchoolsNorthwest Local SchoolsOsnaburg Local SchoolsPerry Local SchoolsRG Drage Career Technical CenterRootstown Local SchoolsSandy Valley Local SchoolsSolon City SchoolsSt. Michael SchoolStark County Board of Developmental DisabilitiesStrasburg-Franklin Local SchoolsTallmadge City SchoolsTriway Local SchoolsWayne County Schools

Higher Education

Ashland UniversityBelmont CollegeBethany CollegeBluffton UniversityThe College of WoosterGrove City CollegeIndiana Wesleyan UniversityKent State UniversityKenyon CollegeMalone UniversityMount Vernon Nazarene UniversityNorth Central State CollegeStark State CollegeThe Ohio State UniversityUniversity of AkronUniversity of Mount UnionWalsh UniversityWashington State Community College

Workplace

3D Business AcceleratorAdvanced Storage SystemsAirtex ProductsAkron-Canton AirportAkron Community FoundationASC IndustriesArtsinStarkBekaertBridgestone AmericasCampbell Oil CompanyCarroll County TransitCutler RealtorsDiebold NixdorfDix CommunicationsEnvironmental Design GroupFedex Custom CriticalFirst MeritGE CapitalGreat Lakes ConstructionIn The RoundKiko Auctioneers and RealtorsLean DogLG FuelNational Inventors Hall of FameNickles BakeryPegasus FarmPenske TruckPro Car Automotive GroupProgressive InsuranceS.D. Myers IndustriesSecuritas Electronic SecurityStark Community FoundationSummit County Department of Job & Family ServicesSterling JewelersStruktol Company of AmericaTaylor BankThe Timken CompanyStark County CommissionersTomTod Ideas Inc.United Glass and Panel SystemsUnited Way of Greater Stark CountyThe Vasco GroupYoung Truck

Recreation

Alliance Country ClubAlliance Family YMCAAshland County ParksBoy Scouts of AmericaBrookside Country ClubBucyrus Area YMCACambridge YMCACampCarl.lifeCongress Lake Country ClubEric Snow YMCA (Downtown Canton)Ernie's Bicycle ShopFirestone Country ClubGeauga Park DistrictGirl Scouts of North East OhioGlenmoor Country ClubLakota YMCALouisville YMCAMassillon Boys & Girls ClubMinerva YMCAMount Vernon YMCAMurfreesboro Tennis ComplexMuskingum Watershed Conservancy DistrictNorth Canton YMCAParamount Tennis ClubPaul & Carol David YMCA (Jackson)Pegasus FarmShady Hallow Country ClubSilver Lake Country ClubStark ParksStark County Wilderness CenterTiffin Community YMCATuscarawus County YMCAWestbrook Country ClubYMCA of Central Stark County

Other

A.H. Wilson BuildingAlmost Heaven Homemade Ice CreamAmerican Development CompanyAmerimar Enterprises, Inc.Aultman FoundationAultman HospitalBair's PowersportsBAM Healthy CuisineBenders TavernBoggs ChiropracticBolivar Volunteer Fire DepartmentBrewster Fire DepartmentCanton Baptist TempleCanton Palace TheatreCanton TownshipCanton Township FireCapstone Real Estate InvestmentsCarroll County District LibraryChapel Hill Retirement CommunityThe Chapel in AkronChrist Community Chapel in HudsonCity of CantonCity of WoosterCoshocton Port AuthorityDeVille DevelopmentsDeHoff DevelopmentDowntown FordFirst Friends ChurchGastroenterology SpecialistsGoddard SchoolsGrace United Methodist ChurchGreentown United Methodist ChurchHampton InnHeartland Behavior HealthHoly Trinity Greek Orthodox ChurchHoover HouseJackson TownshipLake TownshipThe Lenzy Family InstituteLeopard Town TwirlersLiberty Development CompanyLions Lincoln TheatreLimbauch BuildingsLouisville Public LibraryMassillon Fire DepartmentMassillon Heritage FoundationMassillon MuseumMassillon Public LibraryMeniru Medical OfficesMinerva Champer of CommerceMissionView ChurchNational First Ladies LibraryPerry Township Police DepartmentPetitti Garden CenterThe Pickwick PlaceThe Pines Lakeside TherapyPlain TownshipPlain Township Fire DepartmentPro Football Hall of FameProgressive ChryslerQuonset HutRose Lane Nursing & RehabilitationSARTAScriptShop PharmacySeville-Guilford Township Fire and EMSShady Lawn Nursing & RehabilitationSmithville Fire DepartmentSpring Hill Historic HomeStark County Department of Job & Family ServicesStark County District LibrarySt. Edward HotelSt. Lukes Lutheran HomeSt. Mary's Catholic ChurchSt. Michael the Archangel ParishSt. Michael Lutheran ChurchSt. Stephens Lutheran Martyr ChurchTraditions at Bath Road Nursing HomeTrillium Family SolutionsUnion HospitalWooly Pig Farm BreweryWooster Community Hospital

Photo Gallery

1 of 22