ALLEGHENY CITY CENTRAL — The Allegheny YMCA capped off its more than year-long, $26 million renovation project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 5.
While the YMCA reopened its doors to the public back in March, the ceremony marked the completion and resumed availability of most of the Y’s facilities. Only the pool still remains closed, though Allegheny YMCA Executive Director Michele Charmello said that amenity should be available soon.
The renovations touched upon just about every aspect of the more than 100-year-old building, with improvements ranging from accessibility ramps and new HVAC systems to the installation of elevators and construction of childcare facilities.
It was not just the public-facing aspects of the YMCA that saw upgrades. The building’s residential areas are also receiving ongoing improvements, including private bathrooms (replacing group shower rooms) and central air conditioning, among other renovations.
In praising the YMCA during the ribbon cutting speech, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato called it the “Swiss Army knife” of community assets.
“It serves all people from all backgrounds, from STEM education for young people to water aerobics,” she said.
The Allegheny Y closed in February 2025 to begin the renovation process, and was originally slated to reopen in January of this year. However, delays in construction pushed that date back to March, leaving the building inaccessible for 13 months.
In addition to bringing a new look, the renovations are also enabling the YMCA to offer new programs and services to the community. An examination room has been added which will host a variety of health services usable by visitors, and the Y is rolling out a new childcare program utilizing children spaces built during renovations.
Visiting dignitaries to the ribbon cutting included state Rep. Aerion Abney, Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor, state Senator Wayne Fontana, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger and City Councilman Bobby Wilson. Funding for the renovations came largely from public sources, including Community Development Block Grants, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, New Market Tax Credits and investments from the state government.
“It takes all levels of government,” Fontana said during the ceremony in reference to projects of this scale. Amy Kienle, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, called the renovations a “promise to this community” and said she was “overwhelmed” by the public support during the ribbon cutting.
“Buildings don’t serve and survive for more than 100 years by accident,” she said. The Allegheny YMCA is located at 600 W. North Ave. and is open Mondays through Fridays, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays to Sundays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit pittsburghymca.org/locations/allegheny-ymca or call (412) 773-6440.
