By Carol Schliesinger

Nearly a decade ago, the YMCA, known as one of the oldest organizations in the nation, led San Antonio into a new phase in commercial construction: green, sustainable buildings.

Groceries giant Albertson’s left the San Antonio market in 2002, leaving a number of big box locations deserted.  

The YMCA saw opportunity in these empty stores. The Y also hired Marmon Mok Architecture to think outside the box and find ways to salvage about 90 percent of the exterior while accommodating the needs of a fitness center.

The TriPoint YMCA located on Highway 281 and N. St. Mary’s St. opened in 2009 to a steady membership growth.

Given the success, the YMCA and Marmon Mok partnered again to work on retrofitting the former Albertson’s on Walzem Road. This time the stakes were higher, as the team designed the facility to comply with LEED commercial standards.

Walzem YMCA opened its doors earlier this year and is under review for LEED silver level certification. The facilities offer members bike racks, preferred parking for low-emission vehicles, close access to public transportation, low-VOC materials, dual-flush toilets and Energy Star rated appliances — all of which adds up to an overall savings of 17 percent in energy costs.

Additionally, more than 50 percent of construction debris diverted the landfill, and 10 percent of the building materials were made with recycled materials. The 6,000 square feet of bamboo sports floor used in the gymnasiums is one of the largest renewable material sports court in the region.

The savings were a pleasant surprise to Jill Tramel, vice president and COO, for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. “When I first heard about (the idea) I was thinking ‘Oh my goodness, this will have such a high cost,’” says Tramel.

It didn’t take long before the Y reaped a return in both electricity and water costs.

For Lauren Cortinaz, LEED AP consultant and design team member at Marmon Mok, the biggest challenge was designing a flowing fitness space within the constraints of a facility built for grocery shopping. “Our challenge was the big box, but luckily, as designers, we strive to think outside the box and were able to create solutions to best serve our client and the environment,” says Cortinaz.

“I really had a lot of misconceptions, not having worked on this before, and now I hope all of our branches will be like this,” adds Tramel.

CAROL SCHLIESINGER is a San Antonio freelance writer.

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