YMCA

Somerville Y.M.C.A. // 1904

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The Somerville Young Men’s Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) building on Highland Avenue is a stately four-story Neo-Gothic/Tudor Revival style building that is threatened with demolition. Originally built in 1904, the building was designed by the Boston firm of Brainerd, Leeds and Russell, and was published in architectural publications of the time due to its functional plan and design. For 120 years, the building has housed community spaces in the form of reading and game rooms, a gymnasium, auditorium, and more. Fast-forward to today, the building has suffered from deferred maintenance and the organization has purchased adjacent buildings with the plan to raze multiple structures, including this building, and build a massive, boxy new YMCA. Personally, I think it would be a shame to see the original building demolished, when it could be incorporated into the new design.

Bristol YMCA Building // 1899

Buildings of New England3 Comments

In 1899, the Bristol Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) selected architect Wallis E. Howe to design this five-bay, gable-roof, Tudor Revival building as its headquarters. Architect Howe created a rich effect with red brick and white mortar in combination with Tudor half-timbers in green, and buff-colored stucco. The building is a rare example of the Tudor style in Bristol, but is one of the most successful in the state (in my opinion), due to its strong presence and massing working with the use of materials and colors. The large central archway led upstairs to a library and gymnasium for use by YMCA members, while the ground floor featured four small businesses. In 1967, a new entrance and lobby, was constructed, linking the original YMCA to the since abandoned Bristol Customs House and Post Office.