The Blair Regional YMCA is slated to begin expanding its facilities later this year after the Blair County Planning Commission gave the project a favorable review.

Among the projects included in the more than $12 million proposal are a new main entry, a second-floor addition, eight new childcare classrooms and an expanded wellness center, among others.

The estimated starting date for the project is Nov. 1, 2025, according to Blair Regional YMCA Executive Director Sharon Jones.

Blair Regional has already secured $8 million for the plan but is still searching for an additional $4.1 million to complete the project, according to a press release.

The new main entry will be a roughly 7,000-square-foot addition and the second-floor space — which will be placed above a section of the building that is currently a single story — will be 11,225 square feet.

The proposed entry addition would involve rerouting existing stormwater infrastructure and adding new connections to roof drains. These changes would tie into the remaining existing on-site drainage system.

The review has not identified any issues with the proposed drainage system, said Ryan Countryman of Stuart Consulting Group.

Other changes include a new outdoor play area, relocation of utility and mechanical equipment, a conference room, a running/walking suspended track above the existing gym and more.

A 1950s-era former school building currently holds the YMCA’s Early Learning program. The current YMCA faculty believe the facility is now “outdated” and “unsustainable,” making it difficult for the program to continue without renovations.

The new classroom will also have direct access to outdoor play areas.

The review recommends that Hollidaysburg Borough route the project to the state Department of Environmental Protection to review special flood hazard permitting requirements if it has not done so already.

The state Department of Transportation may require a new or updated highway occupancy permit to address increased traffic to Route 36 and/or potential new sidewalks in the right-of-way.

If the applicant adequately addresses municipal and other agency requirements, the project should be able to proceed without undue adverse impact on the community and be consistent with the Alleghenies Ahead comprehensive plan, Countryman said.

Concerning construction projects like this one, Jones also noted that there will inevitably be some disruptions during the project, but the YMCA staff will “plan accordingly, so they are minimized in the best way possible.”

Jones said that the expansion project is unrelated to the recent decision to merge Blair Regional and Garver Memorial YMCAs, noting that these expansions and renovations have been in the “planning stages for some time.”

“The Blair Regional YMCA is currently in a management agreement with the Garver Memorial YMCA,” Jones said. “Our intent is to eventually merge the two organizations, but currently, they remain an autonomous YMCA.”

Jones said the partnership’s goal is to “keep the Garver Memorial YMCA identity” while making the space more accessible for future generations.

“Support of this campaign provides an investment in the future of the YMCA,” according to the press release. The expansion project will “ensure that it continues to serve as a hub of connection, growth and wellness for generations to come.”

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank contributed to this report.