Greenwich Y.M.C.A. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Greenwich YMCA
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 50 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, Connecticut |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1916 |
| Architect | Emory, M.L.; Emory, H.G. |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Georgian Revival |
| Website | http://www.greenwichymca.org/ |
| NRHP reference No. | 83004541 |
| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1996 |
The Greenwich YMCA is a special old building located at 50 East Putnam Avenue in Greenwich, Connecticut. It was built a long time ago, in 1916. This building was a generous gift from Mrs. Nathaniel Witherill. It shows off a unique mix of Colonial Revival and Georgian Revival styles, with some fancy Beaux-Arts details. Because of its history and design, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
About the Greenwich YMCA Building
The Greenwich YMCA building is found at the northern edge of Greenwich's main business area. It sits right on the corner of East Putnam and Mason Streets. The building has a round central part, called a rotunda, right on the corner. From this rotunda, two rectangular parts, or wings, stretch out. These wings are four stories tall.
Building Design and Features
Behind the main wings, there is a large area that holds a gymnasium and a swimming pool. The round central rotunda rises higher than the sloped roofs of the wings. It has a shallow dome on top, with an eight-sided tower called a cupola.
The rounded central section has a porch area. This porch is held up by strong Doric columns. The ceiling of this porch is decorated with special Guastavino tile. Near the rotunda, on each wing, there are separate entrances. One was for men and the other for boys. These entrances are framed by pairs of Doric columns and topped with triangular gables.
History of the YMCA Building
The building was designed by two architects, M.L. Emory and H.G. Emory. They were from New York City. The construction finished in 1916. Mrs. Rebecca Witherell gave this building to the community. She did this to honor her late husband, Nathaniel, who was a very important real estate owner in the area.
Like many YMCAs from that time, this building offered many things. It had sports facilities for people to stay active. It also provided short-term housing. This housing was seen as a safe and healthy place to stay. It was a good option for young people looking for a place to live.
