BUFFALO, N.Y. — The YMCA Buffalo Niagara has pivoted from its plan to build a new 60-thousand-square-foot wellness center in North Buffalo and instead opted for a more affordable option that they believe will still serve the needs of city residents.
The change comes after the non-profit organization struggled to meet fundraising goals for its initial project slated for Elmwood Avenue, the cost of which ballooned from $20 million to an estimated $30 million over the past few years.
"We could have continued down the road of a brand new facility but it might have taken decades to get there and we thought our community deserved something sooner than that," said YMCA Buffalo Niagara President and CEO John Ehrbar.
Instead of a new wellness center, the YMCA announced plans Monday to construct a new summer camp and year-round community event space called YMCA Camp Swan.
The YMCA hopes to break ground on the camp next spring and open it in April 2026.
The camp will be located on the same 7-acre site that the non-profit purchased back in 2021 to build the wellness center amid talks of consolidating their Ken-Ton and Delaware Avenue locations.
Renderings for the initial project were released last spring but according to Ehrbar, they did not bring in more money for the project.
Camp Swan will cost an estimated $5 million, 80% or about $4 million of which has already been raised. $2.5 million of that was donated by The William E. and Ann L. Swan Foundation for whom the camp will be named.
2 On Your Side asked Ehrbar if he was disappointed not to see the center come to fruition.
"Well sort of," he said.
"I've worked for the YMCA my whole career so I have a lot of excitement here. Yeah, we wanted to do a building but I think this might even provide more impact than what a building would have provided for us," Ehrbar added.
He noted that the YMCA is not alone in its financial struggles and that other non-profits have also been impacted by the increased cost of construction and the cost of operation. Ehrbar said the Y's revenue and budget have only recently recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The YMCA anticipates that Camp Swan will serve 200 kids a week through its summer camp program and summer learning loss programs. Additional programming will be held during the shoulder seasons in the fall and spring.
"Whether it's learning how to swim in the pool creating a craft to probably show their parents, learning how to compete in sports, or simply laughing with newfound friends, this camp will create lifelong memories for children," said YMCA Vice President of Education and Childcare Services Brenna Lupo.
Camp Swan will include a basketball court, and swimming pool, as well as several enclosed buildings for other events and activities. The initial design of the camp allows for some flexibility too.
Where the new wellness center would have been located Ehrbar said will be a multi-use field.
He joked if a $40 million check landed on his desk, they'd be happy to act on both plans.
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