TRIPIL project to renovate former YWCA moving forward
An architect’s rendering of what the exterior of the former YWCA will look like when renovations are completed to make the building the home of TRPIL.
Joann Naser, director of development for TRIPIL, walks through the first floor of the organization’s building on West Maiden Street in Washington in this file photo.
When architect Kenneth Kulak entered the vast space at 42 W. Maiden St. in Washington, he knew the 87-year-old structure was sound despite years of neglect.
“They built this like a tank. Steel – which at the time, was a progressive form of construction – aged a lot better than some of the masonry buildings,” said Kulak, of Kulak Design Associates, Monongahela. “From the get go, I knew it was built solidly. It was built to last.”
Purchased by Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living, the former Young Women’s Christian Association, constructed in 1929, will once again be a showpiece for the city after major renovations are complete. TRIPIL will move its headquarters from 69 E. Beau St., Washington, to the 25,000-square-foot building that, in addition to the YWCA, housed church services and a day care.
Major interior demolition, including the removal of asbestos and other hazardous material, was completed earlier this year. Phase one of construction, scheduled to commence by the end of 2016, will renovate 10,000 square feet into a training center and offices, including an internet café, wellness gym and assistive technology center.
A “porte-cochere” addition will allow visitors to exit transportation and enter the building under a protective roof.
“Instead of trying to compete with it, the new section will complement (the existing building),” said Kulak of the glass addition.
The double entrance will lead employers, consumers and visitors to a state-of-the-art elevator and pressurized stairwell connecting the basement and all three floors.
“The elevator will be the lifeline of the building,” said Kulak.
Wide enough to accommodate three wheelchairs, the lift will feature enlarged buttons, voice controls, enhanced lighting and buttons on the floor. Two points of entry will allow for easy entry and egress.
The main entrance on West Maiden will also be accessible. Kathleen Kleinmann, chief executive officer, said she wanted to keep the original main entrance in order to maintain direct access to the city.
Kleinmann said every square foot of the massive space will eventually be used, as TRIPIL continues to grow.
Staff will make the move after phase one is complete.
The historic parlor, gymnasium and auditorium will be restored in phase two for public and private use. In phase three, a glass-enclosed conservatory will be constructed on the third floor.
TRIPIL advocates for the civil rights of people with disabilities and promotes independent living. The organization provides skills training, peer support, information, referral and youth transition for nearly 1,500 residents of Washington, Greene, Fayette and surrounding counties.
“We’ve been in town for 26 years. We’re not new to the county,” said Kleinmann. “We’ve been committed to staying in the city.”
So far, about $3.6 million has been raised through a combination of grants from the Washington County Redevelopment Authority and Local Share Account and private contributions. The capital campaign continues and TRIPIL will continue to host fundraising events in order to complete all three phases.
In addition to funds, the organization is looking for volunteers who want to be involved.
Those interested in learning more about the future of TRIPIL can visit www.tripil.com or call 724-223-5115.