Hunton YMCA Broke Ground on Norfolk Facility

The nonprofit officially launched construction on a new center located at Tidewater Drive and Brambleton Avenue.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration of a construction crane and steel beams at an urban building site, representing new facility development.
The William A. Hunton YMCA has officially launched construction on its new facility in Norfolk, located at the intersection of Tidewater Drive and Brambleton Avenue. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The William A. Hunton YMCA held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new facility in Norfolk, marking a major milestone for the organization. The project follows three years of operations in a temporary location after the group sold its previous building in 2023.

Why it matters

This new facility is designed to support the local community by providing essential early childhood education programs. The development represents a significant effort to restore a permanent hub for services established by the organization back in 1875.

The first phase of the project covers 22,700 square feet and is expected to accommodate 300 children daily. Construction is slated to last 14 months following site plan approval.

The players

William A. Hunton YMCA

Established in 1875, this organization provides community services and education programs in the Norfolk area.

City of Norfolk

The local municipal government contributed $6.1 million and transferred the property to support the new facility.

W.M. Jordan Company

This construction firm has been selected to oversee the development of the new 22,700-square-foot facility.

The details

W.M. Jordan Company will manage the construction of the facility, which is situated at the intersection of Tidewater Drive and Brambleton Avenue. The City of Norfolk facilitated the project by transferring the land to the organization earlier this year.

Timeline

  1. The Hunton Y was established in 1875.

  2. The organization sold its previous building in 2023.

  3. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 7, 2026.

  4. The building is projected to be ready for occupancy by early 2028.

Market Landscape

The new facility marks a return to permanent operations following the 2023 sale of the Hunton Y building in Tidewater Gardens. This shift helps the organization reclaim its footprint in Norfolk and stabilize its service model against recent years of temporary displacement.

Residents can anticipate expanded access to early childhood education programs once the facility opens for occupancy in 2028. The site will ultimately provide space for 300 children daily, offering new resources for families in the area.

The takeaway

The project represents a successful public-private partnership aimed at restoring essential social services to the neighborhood. Families should keep an eye on project updates as construction begins to confirm registration details for future programs.

Further reading

Learn more about local non-profit efforts in our Philanthropy section.

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