In 1908, a group of businessmen got together to organize the first YMCA in Huntsville. Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the mechanical reaper, donated $7,500 toward the capital campaign and the community raised the rest. The building site was purchased for $5,500. The building was designed by Edgar Lee Love, who designed many local buildings in Huntsville and Decatur. Work was begun in 1910 and the building was opened in 1912. The building served continuously as a YMCA until 1999. It was then sold to a developer who then sold to a law firm.
The new owners were determined to return the building to its original state. Architect Joe Fuqua (who swam in the basement pool and realized the memories that the building held for many people), worked with the law firm to restore the buildings features to their original state. The 19,000-square-foot building is a four-story solid masonry construction with Neoclassical Italianate features, including a clay tile roof, large arched windows, exposed roof rafter tails, horizontal stone banding, and symmetrically positioned windows. Restored items include the French doors along the front facade and a curved reception desk in the lobby. Most of the original architectural elements remain, including fireplaces, stairs with ornate balustrade, and tile and maple floors. Other details, such as the front steps which have been worn down by the feet of many generations of Huntsville children, the YMCA name above the front entrance, the YMCA cornerstone, and a portion of the circa 1950 wood basketball court, were unaltered.
The Central YMCA building restoration has won numerous design awards including the Alabama Historical Commission's highest honor, the Roy Swayze Award. The Alabama Historical Commission's award criteria includes the significance of the building to the community, the amount of restoration completed by the candidate, the quality of the work, the level of personal involvement, and the willingness of the owners to share the knowledge with others.
A few years ago I had the chance to see the inside of the building. It is really so awesome. My favorite part was the old basketball court floor. I hope you enjoyed this spot of history.
