Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA

The East Madison Meredith Mathews YMCA is of African American historic significance as this branch was opened to cater to the increasing African American community moving to the city for wartime jobs. The Colman Family donated the land at 23rd Avenue, the ground and building there served as a tennis club formerly to the east Madison YMCA. 

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In 1965, an African American architect and a grad from University of Washington, Leon Bridges designed the modern structure that we see today that hosts gymnasium, swimming pool, activity rooms and offices. This was Leon’s first design project.  

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Today, this branch of Meredith Mathews YMCA is successfully the prime provider of youth education and development programs amongst all the branches in Greater Seattle.