YMCA Anthony Bowen

8/22/2013

Preview Party for Charter Members

Two words that come to mind when I think of the
YMCA Anthony Bowen: Prestige and Promise.

YMCA Anthony Bowen rooftop terrace

At the beginning of the summer I enjoyed my first ever hard hat tour of the Anthony Bowen YMCA. Today, I got a sneak peak of the finished product with its inspirational design, rooftop terrace and so much more! It is an exciting time to be a part of something new and meaningful!

The building reflects the diversity and wide- ranging interests especially to the arts and writers of the immediate community. The unique design celebrates the legacy of YMCA Anthony Bowen as historically the first African American Y, founded in 1853, along with its ability to adapt and serve the community’s evolving needs. It also pays tribute to its famed visitors (such as Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Poet Langston Hughes and Dr. Charles Drew) and founder Anthony Bowen, a slave who purchased his freedom in 1830 and went on to become a prominent religious and community leader. Click here for a detailed history of this Y's service.

Where do you go for inspiration?

Staircase leading to the swimming pool.

The entrance of the YMCA Anthony Bowen.

Cardio room and Climbing wall.

Swimming pool and Lobby

The front lobby and Customer Service Desk.

40 Comments

Savannah-Lin Dofa

8/22/2013 03:34:32 pm

Wow that is simply amazing to see!.. I saw that rock climbing pic.. that is fun!..

Yvonne

8/23/2013 12:16:20 am

Thanks Savannah-Lin! That is just the top of it. It goes three stories down.

Vene' link

8/22/2013 10:15:04 pm

It appears that there are many activities for the youth to keep them engaged...nice article

Yvonne Brown

8/23/2013 12:16:53 am

Thanks Vene'! There is something for everyone!

Jennifer Clay link

8/22/2013 11:02:49 pm

Wow, looks like there is a ton of stuff to do and look at!

8/23/2013 12:17:32 am

Thanks for your post Jennifer! And there is so much more!

Meli link

8/22/2013 11:25:46 pm

I'd like to see this in person one day. My inspiration comes from my children and my environment.

8/23/2013 12:18:13 am

Thanks Meli! Let me know if you are ever in the area! We'll go together! Those are nice places to get inspiration!

Irene Saadeh

8/22/2013 11:33:57 pm

Oh I love the Y too. In fact, next weekend we are going camping at the Y Ranch. We do it every year for Labor Day. It is an inspiration to be out in nature and active and sharing in a great family time!

8/23/2013 12:19:15 am

Thanks for your post Irene! Wow! I didn't know there was a Y Ranch! So happy to hear that your family is getting together. These moments are what make life sweet. Enjoy!

Anita Breeze link

8/22/2013 11:40:39 pm

I love the decor! Those musical instruments suspended from the ceiling are really cool!

8/23/2013 12:20:21 am

Thanks for your post Anita! Aren't they creative? They make me happy! It is a place where your muse gets fed while you are taking care of yourself. What more could an artist ask for?

Tina link

8/23/2013 12:19:45 am

This is so much fun! I, too ,love the musical instruments hanging from the ceiling! And the pool looks great! I am sure everyone who comes into this building will be saying OOOhhh, and Ahhh..

8/23/2013 12:53:40 am

Thanks for your comment Tina! Yes! That is the consensus!

J & S

8/23/2013 12:37:13 am

Wow a lot went into this YMCA! The creative decor is awesome for the kids that will be goimg there!

8/23/2013 11:21:29 pm

Thanks J& S! Yes, a lot went into making this a great place!

Deborah link

8/23/2013 01:58:10 am

What a great facility for the community. I love the rock climbing wall.

8/23/2013 11:22:07 pm

Thanks Deborah! The rock climbing wall looks like a lot of fun!

Diana MT - Va for Life link

8/23/2013 01:59:55 am

Thanks for sharing your milestone with us. Enjoy!

8/23/2013 11:22:47 pm

Thanks for being a part of it Diana MT!

Deanna link

8/23/2013 02:23:17 am

Wow! what a place, looks amazing! would like to visit this and see the place in person ,very interesting.

8/23/2013 11:23:56 pm

Thanks Deanna! I know you would like it!

Lisa Hodges link

8/23/2013 02:31:07 am

How exciting! This is so amazing and your pictures are fantastic!!!

8/23/2013 11:24:29 pm

Thanks Lisa! I'm glad you like the pictures!

Rob link

8/23/2013 03:20:05 am

I get my inspiration from sitting down and starring into space..

8/23/2013 11:25:04 pm

Thanks Rob! We all have to have our inspirational space!

Loretta link

8/23/2013 05:49:37 am

I love the staircase with the musical instruments hanging!!!

8/23/2013 11:25:34 pm

Thanks Loretta! Me too!

Karen Bradley link

8/23/2013 06:31:29 am

Great facility. I get my inspiration from being on the water.

8/23/2013 11:26:13 pm

Thanks Karen! I love the water!

Allen Hall link

8/23/2013 06:50:12 am

looks like a great time!

8/23/2013 11:26:53 pm

Thanks for your post Allen! I believe it can promise that!

Dov Shapira link

8/23/2013 08:15:27 am

YMCA is a great place for any activity.
It has great feeling just being there.

8/23/2013 11:27:25 pm

Yes Dov! I love it!

Robin Foose

8/23/2013 10:26:15 am

What an AWESOME stairway

8/23/2013 11:59:04 pm

Thanks Robin! I totally agree!

Don Purdum link

8/23/2013 10:50:52 pm

Very inspirational! I love the rich history that they maintained throughout as illustrated in the pictures. This organization is so needed. Thank you for sharing!!!!!

8/24/2013 12:00:14 am

Thanks for your post Don! I'm glad you like the pictures! Rich with history!

Dionne link

8/24/2013 05:01:45 am

What an amazing and inspiring article on a person that truly made a difference in our world. I still have goosebumps from reading about Mr. Anthony Brown. Thank you.

Tyler

8/25/2013 07:42:28 am

I love the musical theme, that's awesome! I went to the ymca as a teen for summer camp.