ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The YWCA of Asheville anticipates temporary traffic changes and impacted facilities through next week as its ongoing pool renovation hits the next phase of construction.

Background

The YWCA pool has been troubled since June 2024, when the ceiling of the pool began to deteriorate due to long-term humidity issues. Despite efforts to restore the roof in 2024 and 2025, the extent of the damage was determined to be beyond a quick repair. An assessment revealed that a comprehensive restoration, including an upgrade of the electrical, filtration, HVAC, plumbing, pool draining and water heating systems and the replacement of at least one load-bearing wall, would cost $3.5 million.

In 2026, the YWCA embarked on the renovation. Currently, the projected reopening of the pool is set for early 2027, though the timeline is subject to change.

Last week, demolition began on the project.

“Seeing this project reach such a visible stage is exciting for our YWCA and for the community that has supported this work,” said Aisha Adams, interim CEO of the YWCA of Asheville and Western North Carolina. “Our historic pool has served as a beacon for swim equity, creating opportunities for generations of children, families and community members to learn to swim, care for their health and experience the joy of being in the water. Every phase of this renovation brings us closer to continuing that legacy for generations to come.”

Present impact

Demolition, including crane operations, will continue through Sept. 25, 2026, the YWCA said. During the demolition period, temporary traffic changes will affect the YWCA and Asheville Middle School.

The crane will be positioned in the AMS pick-up and drop-off lane during demolition, which is projected to cause traffic delays in the area during school arrival and dismissal times.

The time windows with the greatest projected impact are 7:45-8:30 a.m. and 3-4 p.m., the YWCA said. To mitigate delay, community members are encouraged to arrive before 7:30 a.m. or after 8:30 a.m. in the morning and before 3 p.m. or after 4 p.m. in the afternoon.

At the YWCA, locker rooms will be closed during crane operations. Alternative restrooms will be available elsewhere in the building.

The nonprofit said that they have been in communication with residents, YWCA patrons and AMS students in the area about the demolition impact.

“The YWCA has been sharing information about the work with members, childcare families, staff and nearby neighbors to help everyone plan around temporary disruptions as demolition continues,” the YWCA said in a press release.

Pool party

While the YWCA pool is closed for the time being, the YWCA will host a Pool Demo Party next month to celebrate the progress of its renovation.

The celebration will be held for YWCA members, families, community partners and members of the neighborhood from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, in the YWCA Multipurpose Room.

“For generations, the YWCA pool has been a place for our community to learn, move, connect and experience the joy of being in the water,” the YWCA said in the release. “The Demo Party is a chance to celebrate that legacy while looking ahead to the future of aquatics and swim equity at the YWCA.”

For more about the YWCA pool renovation, visit www.ywcaofasheville.org/pool-renovation.