Rebuild • Remodel • Restore
The historic YWCA Dayton building at 141 West Third Street in the heart of downtown Dayton has been our home since 1913. The building has been given care and upkeep during the last 100 years, providing a fortitude of refuge, service, and safety for women and children across the Miami Valley.
In return, there are urgent needs. The housing rooms are small and unforgiving; the communal spaces lack modern-day amenities; the structure needs increased ADA accessibility and basic improvements, including new windows and HVAC systems.
In April 2018, we broke ground on the first major overhaul of our flagship home since 1961, aligning our structural space with our mission of providing peace, justice, freedom, and dignity to all who enter. Below are a few commonly asked questions as we embark on this incredible transformation. For specific questions or concerns regarding the renovation, contact us any time at info@ywcadayton.org or 937-461-5550.
Renovating Lives FAQ's
Construction began on April 2, 2018. A “wall-breaking” ceremony was held in late March; formal ribbon cuttings are planned and announced as each phase of construction ends. For an invitation, contact events@ywcadayton.org or call 937-461-5550 x155.
The renovation will consist of three phases, each lasting approximately 11 months. Phase 1 will renovate the south side of the building; Phase 2 will renovate the north side; Phase 3 will renovate public spaces on the first two floors. The building will be completely transformed: client and resident rooms will increase in size and privacy; flexed walling will accommodate small or large families in shelter; amenities like the KeyBank Economic Empowerment Center, a full-service computer lab, and additional care management and gathering spaces, will be added; and critical upgrades to the building’s core systems will be made.
The total project is estimated at $17 million. $15.3 million has already been secured from government, foundation, and community support. The remaining $1.7 million will be raised through philanthropic contributions during the public phase of the Renovating Lives: Floor by Floor capital campaign. Gifts can be made online at www.ywcadayton.org/donate.
No! YWCA Dayton programs and services will continue during the renovation, ensuring 24/7/365 domestic violence shelter, sexual assault, and crisis hotline (937-222-SAFE) services – as well as affordable housing, youth development, and legislative advocacy – continue uninterrupted for the greater Dayton community. Staff, clients, and residents will “shelter in place” during the project, with interim office and room relocations accommodating each phase of the renovation.
YWCA Dayton will continue welcoming any and all guests, visitors, and volunteers to our facility throughout the renovation. Construction vehicles and equipment will be located next to our building on North Wilkinson Street; all visitor traffic and donation drop-offs will be routed through our front desk.
If you have donations, the City of Dayton has generously agreed to allow 15-minute flasher parking on West Third Street immediately in front of our building. We appreciate your flexibility and continued generosity!
As always, staff are on hand to provide internal building directions and guide visitors to their destination, and ample directional and hard-hat area signage is posted as well.
The YWCA Dayton auditorium and playground are offline for rental reservations during renovation. If you have facility rental needs during our renovation, please contact us at info@ywcadayton.org so we can provide as much assistance as possible.
Open houses for the Permanent Supportive Housing units were held in March 2019 and for the Domestic Violence Shelter in July 2019. A final grand re-opening following Phase III will be announced at a later date. For more information or to schedule a private tour, contact events@ywcadayton.org.
