The YWCA has operated out of its downtown Worcester, Mass., location for the past 60 years with little or no capital improvement. This $24-million revitalization project of the mid-century modern building includes a full renovation with system upgrades to modernize program areas and improve energy efficiency.

All the building’s floors were renovated to create modern program areas, including classroom and STEM space for early education and child care, secure space for domestic violence services, wellness and health equity spaces, a gymnasium and 45 single occupancy rooms for transitional housing. 

Photo by Dan Philips, courtesy Consigli Construction Co.

Heavy demolition and MEP systems replacement in the facility, which houses 40 women and provides day care for children, required innovative solutions to keep some systems operational while shutting others down.  

The team worked closely with the YWCA and Fennich McCredie during preconstruction to resequence the project. This reduced the schedule by four months and cut costs by 15% while preserving the YWCA’s mission and goals. The team focused extensively on reviewing and sequencing the MEP system renovation due to its high risk and complexity.