YWCA Greenwich Seeks 14,500-Square-Foot Addition, Interior Renovations

GREENWICH, CT — YWCA Greenwich has been located at 259 E. Putnam Ave. for over five decades, and very few updates have been performed on the building.

But according to recent plans submitted to the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Department, that could soon change.

The organization is looking to construct a 14,500-square-foot addition spread over the building's existing three levels, with work generally taking place on the southeasterly side of the existing structure, attorney for YWCA Greenwich, Bruce Cohen, said in documents on file with the town.

Cohen said the addition will create a new space for the YWCA's domestic abuse clients and provide normal-sized private offices that will "maximize confidentiality, personal privacy, and security for users," all on the second floor, which would also include a therapy roof garden.

Administrative offices would be relocated from the existing building's first floor to the first floor of the proposed addition, the documents state.

Half of the preschool at YWCA Greenwich would be relocated from the building's lowest level below grade into the former administrative space on the first floor of the existing building, Cohen said. This would bring the entire preschool togeher on the same floor and located off the lobby.

Additionally, the new construction would create a multi-use space on the lower level of the proposed addition, which would be used for group exercise classes, a flex space for summer camp activities, the YWCA's afterschool program and preschool activities, Cohen detailed.

Other interior renovations would include relocating existing uses "to create better adjacencies," and creating more storage space, enlarging/right-izing office space, creating a break area for maintenance staff, and creating a more spacious fitness center.

The existing pool would also be expanded to accomodate team practices and intramural time trials, and there would also be improved office space for swim team staff, according to documents.

Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and security upgrades are planned, as well as drainage improvements.

There would be a new, contemporary and welcoming front facade, too.

Cohen said YWCA Greenwich is seeking a pre-application review.

The pre-application process allows for a non-binding discussion with the commission about the pros and cons of a proposal before a substantial investment is made in developing plans, reports and studies.

The application could go before the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission in the coming weeks.