Plans are to break ground in August for the biggest expansion of Bismarck's YMCA in its 35-year history.

The $3.2 million project will add more than 27,000 square feet to the northwest side of the 120,000-square-foot facility, according to Y executive director Andy Dahl. Already the building is one of the nationwide organization's largest single-standing recreation facilities.

Fundraising began in January and has already raised $400,000. Contributions raised in the campaign will be matched by revenues of the Bismarck YMCA. Dahl expects it will take 15 to 18 months before the campaign concludes.

"The goal is to raise $2 million from the community. The support is there, and we're right where we want to be," Dahl said. "We are closer to landing major significant donors in the next couple of weeks. The master plan is being finalized and construction is expected to start in August with completion in about a year, either August or September of 2008."

The Bismarck YMCA has 12,000 members, which Dahl said is a high market penetration and well exceeds the national average of other YMCAs. The expansion is a response to Bismarck's growth, and a study indicated the expansion is needed to keep up with that growth and the changing needs of members.

The expansion will take place on the northwest corner of the building. A 13,500- square-foot gym will be built on the main level, while under it a similar amount of room will be provided to expand the life fitness center. Major renovations will be made to the main floor lobby and a parking lot will be built adjacent to the addition.

The marketing study suggested the expansion is crucial to maintaining the Y's strong membership base. Projections indicate the expansion will bring about 1,000 new members or units, Dahl said. A membership unit can include a family, which is calculated as 2.2 individuals.

The new expansion will include an alternate entrance, with the intent of providing access 24 hours a day, seven days a week when it's determined the Y should move to this type of schedule, according to Dahl.

The main lobby will include a coffee gathering area, with the opportunity for a coffee kiosk. The family locker room area will be tripled in size, and there will be a new circular control desk to greet people. The current kids' gym will be turned into two floors to provide new exercise studios.

The fitness center will more than double in size and more opportunities for youth will be provided. The current center is basically off limits to children.

"The groups won't have to intermingle in the fitness center and will have equipment for kids," Dahl said. "We'll also be providing more for our senior members by creating social gathering places. The social element is the thing, the off-shoot is the fitness aspect."

Plans are to keep the Y open throughout the expansion construction or at least minimize any time the building must be closed for work.

"Some things may have to be rerouted and at times there may be some inconvenience, but we are putting together a plan with the contractor to keep this to a minimum," Dahl said. Architect for the expansion is Jeff Welch, working for Jiran Architects and Planners. Dahl said that it has been a three and a half-year planning process.

There are no plans for the Y's two indoor swimming pools. Dahl and the Y board is watching as the Bismarck Park Board looks at plans to build its own indoor aquatic center.

"We have and are going to continue to work with the park board on different ventures," Dahl said. "Our consideration is that the community does deserve a facility to host nice big meets with its current teams. We want to make sure as the park district moves forward we are enlisted in their plans that market for youth."

One of the core offerings of the Y is its Golden Seal swim team and its youth swimming lessons. At times, more than 500 people will be using the pools offered by the Y over the course of a day.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)