ROME, N.Y. — The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley announced it is making progress on renovating its facility at 301 W. Bloomfield St.

Last fall, the YMCA scrapped plans to build a new facility on Floyd Avenue. Originally announced in 2018, the project struggled due to the impact of the pandemic on YMCA operations and the loss of hoped-for state funding. The original projected cost of $16 million rose to $23 million, and ultimately, the YMCA decided not to move forward with a new building and focus its efforts on renovating its existing 54,000-square-foot facility.

“We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support and commitment to our YMCA community,” Rome Branch Executive Samantha Petschauer said in the announcement.

In the coming weeks, work will begin in a number of areas in the building. The YMCA ordered more than $175,000 worth of cardio equipment and will renovate the cardio space including updating the electrical systems and the room itself to house the new equipment.

A personal training room will transform into a new spin studio with new lighting, ceiling upgrades, air-conditioning improvements, and a sound system.

The existing golf-simulator space will be converted into a multifunctional area for personal training and cross training. The YMCA will also make improvements to its racquetball court.

In the second part of this project phase, the YMCA will relocate and enhance the youth interactive space by adding a drop ceiling, new lighting, and soundproofing, repurposing the space into another group-exercise area. The current teen wellness weight room will undergo a comprehensive overhaul including upgraded electrical systems, repainting, and relocating some cardio equipment to ensure accessibility during the renovation of the existing cardio space. The project will also include the installation of new energy-efficient lighting, windows, electrical systems, and flooring.

In late March, the YMCA began work on its gymnasium with a donation from Sherwin-Williams to repaint it. In August, work to refinish the floors and install a new gym curtain will begin with Rochester Floors set to begin work on August 25.

The organization is still in the planning stage for phase two of the renovation project and continues to seek support for the project.

The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley serves the greater Rome, Oneida, and Whitesboro areas with programs and services for all ages. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit has primary branches in Rome and Oneida and school-age childcare in Whitesboro.