Tonn and Blank Construction is proud to announce that the Hammond Family YMCA has been named ENR Midwest Regional Best Project in the Specialty Construction category. This prestigious honor, awarded by Engineering News-Record (ENR), recognizes outstanding achievement in design and construction.

The award celebrates our team’s leadership in delivering the new 120,000-square-foot Hammond Family YMCA, a $70 million project that has quickly become a premier destination for health, wellness, and community connection. Located at 6532 Indianapolis Blvd, the YMCA officially opened in November 2024, replacing the original South Hammond facility built in the 1960’s. Today, it welcomes over 30,000 members (and nearly one million visits per year), offering amenities such as three pools, a wellness center, gymnasium, indoor trackhttps://crymca.org/locations/hammond-family-ymca, childcare and teen spaces, and a teaching kitchen—all designed to serve residents of every age.

A Landmark in Community Wellness

The Hammond Family YMCA exemplifies Tonn and Blank’s commitment to building spaces that strengthen communities. Working on a downtown site presented unique challenges, from tight construction logistics and ensuring continuity of YMCA programs during the transition, to coordinating complex work safely on a high-traffic urban site. Despite these hurdles, the team completed the project ahead of schedule, on budget, and with zero injuries—highlighting a culture of safety, precision, and collaboration.

Tonn and Blank self-performed critical concrete work, including pool tanks, structural steel, roofing, interior framing, and utilities, with final touches on flooring, casework, lighting, paving, and landscaping ensuring a polished, high-quality finish. A key milestone included the installation of 223 precast wall panels in just two weeks—demonstrating technical skill and careful planning.

 

Partnership and Community at the Heart

This project reflects the longstanding partnership between Tonn and Blank and Crossroads YMCA, built on trust, shared values, and a mutual commitment to community wellness. From early collaborative planning to ongoing community engagement, the team worked to involve residents throughout the construction process—hosting site tours for board members, donors, schools, and YMCA members to share progress and build excitement.

The Hammond Family YMCA represents decades of partnership and shared commitment to the YMCA’s mission,” said Jon Gilmore, President & CEO of Tonn and Blank Construction. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to support an organization dedicated to strengthening families and communities, and proud to build a facility that will serve Hammond residents for generations.”

Revitalization and Impact

Beyond the building itself, the project revitalized a once-blighted site, boosting economic activity and contributing to downtown Hammond’s growth. With inclusive programming for all ages, dedicated spaces for youth and teens, and expanded access to wellness, the new YMCA is a tangible symbol of progress and opportunity.

The ENR award celebrates not only the technical and logistical success of the project but also the human-centered approach that defines Tonn and Blank’s work. By blending visionary leadership, innovative construction solutions, and a deep commitment to the communities they serve, Tonn and Blank has once again set a new standard for wellness facilities in Indiana construction.