Perhaps this story should be told as "The Little County Who Could." With a population of 9000, Switzerland County is the smallest in the State of Indiana. Through ingenious funding strategies, extensive collaboration and cooperation, and shear tenacity, the citizens brought into being this stunning facility.

Architectural Alliance was first hired when a group of citizens knew that they wanted to build a swimming pool & community center using grant money from the Lilly Endowment. By conducting a community-wide "charette" and talking with folks all over the county, AAI helped the citizens' committee define the scope of "what else" they wanted to include in their facility. We also introduced them to the national YMCA organization, and it was a perfect match.

This $3.5 million facility features a "public" wing and a "membership" wing. The public space includes headstart classrooms, shared office space for community service agencies, a babysitting area, and a very flexible multipurpose classroom with warming kitchen. The members-only area features the pride of the YMCA - a six-lane-plus swimming pool suitable for high school competition, water aerobics, and swimming instruction. Also available to members are a full gymnasium, fitness center, and walking track. We're told that the walking track has already become a hub of community life. Of course, there are restrooms, locker rooms, and staff offices. Speaking of offices - executive Director Bob Randall has what is probably the best office-window view of any YMCA director in Indiana.

Views of the outdoors are, in fact, an important component of the project. Nestled in the woods at the foot of a hill and across the street from the Ohio River, the land donated for the YMCA makes a stunning site. Designer Jeremy Fretts placed great importance on situating the building to take advantage of the features of this site, and on providing plenty of windows. The result -- headstart classrooms that feel like they're "in the woods," an indoor pool that seems a part of the great outdoors, and beautiful views from the walking track and classrooms. The multipurpose classrooms even feature an outdoor patio.

From the earliest beginnings of an idea through completion of this celebrated community triumph, Architectural Alliance was there. Along the way, we navigated diverse project desires, myriad design options, a challenging budget, complicated contract & financing agreements, and a soggy construction season. The best news of all is that our client is happy with the end result. Nothing could make us happier.