The Woodson YMCA has achieved a major win for the Wausau community with the recent completion of The Landing activity center for 55+ adults to socialize, lounge and experience a wide range of wellness, recreational and educational programming. A hub for our growing 55+ population has been a serious need in Central Wisconsin and was a top priority in the Woodson YMCA expansion and renovation for which Ghidorzi is proud to serve as master planner, architect, general contractor and interior designer through our integrated design build delivery model. Our collaborative design process engaged many community stakeholders, including the Dwight and Linda Davis Foundation whose passion for this project was a powerful driver in bringing this space to life.
The Landing sets the standard for 55+ activity centers nationwide. The location within the Woodson YMCA facility connects members to the spectrum of health and wellness programming, while the design achieves a welcome residential atmosphere tailored to serving as a social hub for the 55+ crowd at every turn.
The Landing is positioned near the building entrance to minimize steps for members and to achieve adjacency to the new covered parking area. There is also a dedicated entry/exit off the conservatory to Yawkey Park during summer months. The Landing has an excellent vantage point on ground level to all YMCA programming, including the new Program Gym, Field House with Walking Track and 55+ Wellness Studio, accessible by stair or full-size elevator. In addition to its location, the interior of the Landing is designed with extra wide hallways, zero thresholds and without doors to further enhance mobility for members.
Interior finishes and furnishings were chosen for the comfort, ergonomics and aesthetic appeal of 55+ adults. Dark wood trim and case goods were balanced with lighter wood flooring and accent furniture to give the space warmth, richness and a distinct feeling of quality. Bold accent colors were utilized on the walls and furnishings to enhance the fun, social aspect of the space. Organic shapes were emphasized in the interior décor to complement views of Yawkey Park and surrounding neighborhood through the floor to ceiling glass windows. Furniture pieces are highly accessible to accommodate a range of mobility levels with open-arms and closed backs.
The Landing balances an open concept floor plan with diverse spaces to accommodate a range of activities. The entire space was designed for flexibility to be reconfigured as programming evolves. Functional areas within The Landing include:
Lounge Space
Lounge spaces are intermixed throughout the Landing to provide a variety of seating options that are ideal for conversation, reading or relaxation. Fireplaces add warmth and a soothing glow to the lounge seating areas. Coat closets and restrooms are conveniently located at either end of the space.
Lounge Space
Game Room
The game room is a versatile area featuring ping pong, a putting green, pool table and shuffleboard. Bar style seating and a fireplace enhance the energy of this playful space. The fireplace is double-sided to connect the game room to other social spaces. The game room is also equipped with a flat screen TV for gameday spectating and events.
Game Room
Kitchen and Coffee Station
The full Kitchen is the heart of The Landing. It has a residential feel with all the functionality of a commercial kitchen equipped to serve large groups. Storage space is abundant with a multitude of cabinets and drawers. Counter space is equally generous for prepping and serving, and extra outlets were placed to ensure sufficient power sources for handheld appliances and crockpots. Decorative ceiling tiles accent the kitchen, while the recessed ceiling height enhances acoustics. This space even includes a separate, behind-the-scenes catering kitchen with private entry off Fourth Street as well as access from the game room for the ultimate functionality of entertaining large groups. A dedicated coffee station is among the most popular features. Counter, table and booth seating are all available to members.
Kitchen
Kitchen and Coffee Station
Conservatory and Patio
The Conservatory is a highlight of The Landing that enables members to enjoy the outdoors year around. Floor to ceiling wood and stone accents surrounded by two walls of windows create a spectacular space that affords sweeping views of Yawkey Park. Southern exposure floods this space with natural daylight, which can be controlled with power blinds. During the warmer months, the covered patio adds an outdoor socialization area for members to enjoy.
Conservatory
Craft and Technology Room
The Landing’s most versatile space is the Craft and Technology room where everything from the walls to the tables and chairs can be reconfigured to accommodate specific program needs from a classroom setting to collaborative craft stations. This room is open to the kitchen and lounge seating but can be closed off with two accordion walls that divide the space into two smaller rooms with closing doors. Built-in storage cabinets with roll-out drawers and easy-to-use hearing loop technology accompany the state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment that is also integrated into this space.
Craft and Technology Room
The Landing opened in mid-October and instantly hit the mark with 55+ members of the YMCA and new members from the greater Wausau community at large. More information about The Landing and its membership can be found online at https://thelandingwausau.com/ or by calling (715) 841-1855.
