Summit YMCA gets $40,000 grant to modernize historic elevator

The Summit Area YMCA will upgrade the elevator at its Maple Street facility after receiving a $40,000 grant from The Summit Foundation. The project is underway now, with completion expected in January 2027, and is designed to keep the building accessible for seniors, people with special needs and families.

Why it matters: - The elevator upgrade is a key access project at the Summit Area YMCA’s historic Maple Street facility. - The modernization is intended to keep the building safe, reliable and accessible for members who depend on elevator service. - Seniors, people with special needs and families stand to benefit most from uninterrupted access to programs throughout the building.

What happened: - The Summit Foundation awarded the Summit Area YMCA a $40,000 grant for the elevator modernization. - The Summit YMCA started the project this spring at its Maple Street location in Summit, New Jersey. - Phase 1 is underway, and completion is expected in January 2027. - The Y says access will remain available during the work.

The details: - The elevator project follows a comprehensive building renovation completed in 2023. - The modernization is the next step in the YMCA’s ongoing investment in the historic facility. - The grant supports upgrades meant to ensure the elevator remains safe, reliable and accessible for all members. - Anjali McCormick, president and CEO of the Summit Area YMCA, said the Foundation’s support is especially meaningful as a long-time funding partner. - McCormick said the project is an essential priority for the facility. - The Summit Foundation has supported the project through a grant. - More information is available in the organization’s announcement. - The Summit Area YMCA also directs readers to learn more about the Summit YMCA.

Between the lines: - The grant signals continued philanthropic backing for capital improvements at a community institution with a long history. - The YMCA is pairing accessibility work with broader facility stewardship, which suggests a long-term approach to preserving the Maple Street building. - The project also reflects a local model of “neighbors investing in neighbors,” as framed by the YMCA.

What's next: - The elevator modernization will continue through Phase 1 while the YMCA keeps the building open to members. - The project is scheduled to wrap in January 2027. - The Summit Foundation says it will continue investing in community needs through grants, scholarships, special-purpose funds and donor-advised distributions. - The Summit Area YMCA says it will keep serving more than 17,000 people each year across its service area.

The bottom line: - The Summit YMCA is using a new grant to make a core facility more accessible without shutting members out during construction.