YMCA Purchases Wells Avenue Property For Second Newton Branch

NEWTON, MA — The West Suburban YMCA has purchased a Wells Avenue property that will be transformed into its second branch in Newton, providing current and future members with additional recreational facilities and opportunities for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The new facility will be located at 135 Wells Avenue, a nearly 61,000-square-foot building located on the south side of the city. The building, previously operated by Boston Sports Clubs, is already equipped with a four-lane swimming pool, fitness area, indoor track, and multipurpose fieldhouse for sports and activities.

“Having been located for over a century in Newton Corner, the northeasterly most village in the city, we are excited to expand our mission to a second branch where our array of programs and recreational assets will be convenient and accessible to members who live throughout the city of Newton and beyond,” said Jack Fucci, President and CEO of the West Suburban YMCA, in a statement. “As we work to open the Wells Avenue location in the near future, we look forward to expanding our collaboration with strategic partners that include the City of Newton, academic institutions and health care organizations.”

The Wells Avenue branch, scheduled to open in the fall following renovations, will complement the 276 Church Street building in Newton Corner that has been home to the West Suburban YMCA since 1914. Members will be able to make use of both facilities.

“Congratulations West Suburban YMCA,” said Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a statement. “Opening a second facility in Newton will expand access to your terrific social, recreational and educational opportunities for our residents, young and old. The Y is a valued community partner in Newton, providing care during the school year and in the summer so parents can navigate new working models, enabling members to manage their health more effectively, and partnering with our community to feed and care for our most vulnerable residents before, during and after the pandemic.”

To support the Wells Avenue acquisition, the West Suburban YMCA received a donation of $3 million, the largest in its history, from a Newton family for whom the Y has been central to their lives. The goal for the gift is to inspire others to support the Y’s mission to increase the capacity of its high-quality youth programs, in particular through basketball, to integrate social-emotional learning, mentorship, and character-building for children from all communities and backgrounds.

MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency, is issuing a tax-exempt bond on behalf of the West Suburban YMCA to support the acquisition of the Wells Avenue property, and financing has been provided by Dedham Savings.

In addition, the second branch will create a significant employment opportunity, with 100 positions expected to be filled at Wells Avenue.

The West Suburban YMCA relies on the generosity of the community to ensure that its programs are open and accessible to all. Last year, the organization distributed $489,749 in financial assistance for membership, programs, and summer camp. The West Suburban YMCA offers two summer day camps, Camp Pikati in Newton and Camp Chickami in Wayland, along with the overnight Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield.

For more information on the West Suburban YMCA, click here.