About the University Hills - Schlessman YMCA

The YMCA of Metro Denver has been part of the University Hills community for more than 70 years. From our campus, we currently serve 4,000 members, 85 early child care families and 2,200 youth sports families.

Over the years we have renovated our two buildings - the University Hills-Schlessman YMCA (Yale Building) and our Y Academy, Program and Administrative Offices (Colorado Building) - many times to expand our programs and serve more adults and families.  

Our Strategic Road Map & Vision

As part of our organization's Strategic Road Map and, as good stewards of our resources, we completed a review of all YMCA properties including the University Hills-Schlessman YMCA campus. We also conducted listening tours, focus groups and surveys with members and the broader community. This gave us insight into the societal and health challenges that our members and families face but where the Y was falling short.

To continue to serve members and our community, provide child care, health and wellness programs for adults and families, services for seniors, youth programs and activities for teens, the YMCA must have modern facilities equipped with flexible spaces to serve those audiences.

Campus Master Plan

The intention is for the new and improved University Hills-Schlessman YMCA to be the primary destination and anchor to the campus, contributing to a thriving new place that the community wishes to interact in.

We envision a new YMCA facility at the heart of a mixed-use campus featuring new apartment homes, curated and community focused retail offerings, chef-driving and convenient restaurants and community gathering spaces, as well as open spaces. 

Understandably, the wonderful set of adjacent neighborhoods and residents may be concerned with traffic, parking, access and safety and other important issues. We are committed to being thoughtful and including the community in the design process. Please read answers to some of those Frequently Asked Questions.

Our partner, Y CoRe (a partnership between Confluent Development and Republic Metropolitan) is leading the process of engaging the surrounding community, designing the master plan and navigating the City of Denver's development process.

Community Input and Timeline

Community engagement is a critical component of this project. We want to build a place that reflects the community's desires, as well as addresses their needs.

We have had three community meetings

We have also reached out to adjacent neighborhoods, residential neighborhood organizations, elected officials and other interested parties. We pledge to listen to all comments from the surrounding community. 

By engaging and hearing from as many people as possible, we are confident we will build a place that everyone can be proud of.

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