Boeing donates land from Auburn offices for new YMCA center

The gift of a 22-acre patch of land will transform space that was once the domain of Boeing business administrators and office managers into gyms and dance floors, a swimming pool and weight rooms.

In a ceremony yesterday, Boeing deeded to the YMCA land on 15th Street Southwest in Auburn — where the company's fabrication division was headquartered in building 17-01.

The YMCA, which is housed in a 12,000-square-foot building a mile or so away, will use the land to build a 45,000-square-foot facility for classes and activities.

The $10 million project, paid for in part by the city of Auburn and the YMCA, has been in the planning stage for nearly three years and is expected to be completed by fall 2004. George Frasier, the branch executive director, said the fun part starts now.

"This is great," he said. "We're going to be able to do so much more for the community."

He said that while YMCAs throughout the country have certain similarities in what they offer, each is really tailored to the community it serves.

In Auburn, he said, "Supporting teens, supporting seniors and supporting families are our biggest issues."

The facility, which will include a full gym, swimming pool, teen center and activity area, is envisioned as a full-service center, said Frasier.

"The neatest thing is going to be having a family come into our facility and have everyone engaged. Mom and dad could work out or drop anchor in the lobby and read a book. The kids could be in karate or swimming lessons."

The idea for the land donation came from YMCA board members who had contacts at Boeing.

At the same time the YMCA was planning its expansion, Boeing was downsizing and the gift just made sense, according to Cris McHugh, a Boeing spokeswoman.

Boeing had land it didn't need, and through the donation Boeing employees would get a discount on the Y services they desired.

"They have a lot of programs under way that our employees are interested in having," said McHugh. "It's really a win-win situation."

Christine Clarridge: 206-464-8983 or cclarridge@seattletimes.com.