NAZARETH, Pa. – A multimillion-dollar project is now in the works in Northampton County.
River Crossing YMCA broke ground Thursday on a $9 million renovation for its Nazareth branch.
The YMCA on South Main Street in the heart of downtown Nazareth is getting major upgrades.
“This project is a renovation of the portion of our building that was built in 1918, so well over 100 years old,” said Crystal Messer, VP of Operations for River Crossing YMCA.
Last year, River Crossing YMCA launched a $9 million fundraising campaign for its largest project ever and is $8 million of the way there.
“So now we’re able to give that portion of the community what they need, give the building what it needs to build memories, community and a really safe place for families for hopefully another 100 years,” Messer explained.
The project includes adding preschool and childcare services, a mind and body studio, a community space, new track and basketball courts, a cafe and a brand-new lobby.
“We’re going to give it that refresh that it needs and the refresh the community needs as well,” Messer stated.
At Thursday’s groundbreaking, community members and those involved in the project wrote down reflections, notes and memories of the Nazareth branch.
“We’re putting a legacy capsule together today which is like a time capsule,” said Debbie Sontupe, Chief Development Officer for River Crossing YMCA.
The project is expected to take 12-18 months, with completion set for the end of 2027.