NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Some major changes are coming to America’s oldest independent YMCA. The William A. Hunton building in Norfolk will be rebuilt with an updated look and expanded layout.
For over a century, Hunton has served low-income families across South Hampton Roads. It’s one of only four remaining Heritage YMCA’s in the U.S., widely-known as a place of refuge for minorities who were denied access to mainstream YMCA’s.
“Those kids needed services that were not provided elsewhere,” said YMCA Advisor Ulysses Turner. “We were filling a void that other agencies were not. That’s why the hunt has always been so important to the town and a part of the community.”
After years of operating on Charlotte Street, among several other area locations in Norfolk, the organization is ready to begin a new chapter, with a new building.
“The city of Norfolk decided that they needed our current facility, which is in charge of the park,” Turner said. “They agreed to purchase our facility and in return they sold us the Tidewater Park Elementary School site. That site is located at the corner of Tidewater Drive and Brambleton Avenue, which is the gateway to downtown Norfolk. We want to thank Congressman Bobby Scott, [Norfolk] Mayor Kenny Alexander and Norfolk City Council for helping us with our new location.”
Designed by Norfolk-based firm, Work Program Architects, the facility will extend 44,000 square feet, with space to enroll over 250 children. The current YMCA is licensed for 166 daycare children.
The design concept was inspired by historic homes and businesses throughout the St. Paul’s neighborhood, from the two-story porches to the picturesque greenery. Work Program Architects CEO and principal, Mel Price, told 10 On Your Side the top priority is safety when making decisions pertaining to the layout.
“I think it’s important to understand that the Tidewater Gardens area and Greater St. Paul’s has not always felt safe to everyone who called it home,” said Price. “And so, goal number one was to make sure we had a campus that felt safe and felt connected to nature. We started by cataloging the trees, and we designed a building that wrapped around the trees that are there on the site. And that way, the kids feel connected to nature. They feel protected by nature.”
Other perks include a new 22-acre resilience park called the Blue Greenway, custom-designed upper and lower schools to separate children by ages and a large gymnasium with a mezzanine, Price said. A library, recording studio and pool are among the offerings. Swim lessons will also be offered for the first time.
As they work to build a bigger and better beacon of hope, Price said its history will not be forgotten.
“The original building actually had ties to Norfolk State and they were co-located,” she said. “So, it will be much history incorporated. The people who helped build up the hunt in a way will be celebrated.”
The city is currently hiring contractors to demolish the existing Tidewater Park Elementary School. During the interim, William A. Hunton YMCA will operate out of a temporary site at 5520 Tidewater Drive. The new building will open in 2026.
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