YWCA completes $24M renovation, surpasses diversity goals

Photo | Courtesy of YWCA Central Massachusetts YWCA Central Massachusetts

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The YWCA Central Massachusetts announced on Tuesday it has completed a $24-million renovation of its Salem Square facility in Worcester, lauding both the work itself and the diversity of and wages paid to the crews who saw the project through.

The renovation was completed in partnership with Consigli Building Group of Milford, and included the signing of Worcester’s first community benefits agreement, to which YWCA Central Massachusetts, the City of Worcester, Worcester Labor Coalition and
Consigli were all party. The CBA promised an all-women led construction management team, living wage jobs with benefits, and an emphasis on diversity by employing union contractors, as well as women and people of color, according to the announcement.

The YWCA reported that 50% of all workers were Worcester residents, 31% of all subcontractors and firms were located within 30 miles of Worcester, 30% of all workers were people of color, and 9% of all workers were women.

“Supporting the YWCA’s mission of empowering women was woven into the makeup of our diverse female management team,” said Consigli Project Executive Jody Staruk, in a statement. “Every challenge was met with thoughtful consideration of the YWCA community.”

The YWCA’s Salem Square facility was built in 1961. The building remained open throughout the project. Work included adding STEM-aware childcare learning and play areas, additional transitional housing space, secure mentoring spaces, updating heating and cooling systems, and improved security.

“Throughout the renovation, we had women living in our facility, and at the same time, we were operating as an emergency childcare facility in the middle of a pandemic- adding additional layers to an already complex construction project,” said YWCA Executive Director Linda Cavaioli, who will be retiring in July, in a statement. “Their presence set an example for the children, highlighting what female leaders look like in a historically male industry.”