ELKINS — Renovations are underway at the Elkins-Randolph County YMCA, including work to reopen historic windows that were covered decades ago.

A crew is currently working at 400 Davis Avenue to remove bricks from the YMCA’s original, historic windows.

Sid Gillispie, the Elkins-Randolph County YMCA ‘s executive director, said that, in the interior of the building, workers have already uncovered, painted and primed the windows. When asked when the original windows were covered, Gillispie said he believed it happened in the early 1960s.

“I’ve always wanted to redo these windows and bring in natural light into the space and bring it back,” Gillispie told The Inter-Mountain. “So when we were deciding to fix the gym up and bring in the natural light and redo the floor, I just thought this would be a good time to do those windows, and kind of do the whole project at once.”

The Inter-Mountain photos by Taylor McKinnie A crew works to remove bricks that have long covered historical windows at the Elkins-Randolph County YMCA in Elkins.

Work on the windows is predicted to be complete by the end of May.

Gillispie explained that exterior renovations are also taking place with the facility’s gym, including “six big windows” being installed. The windows will be tinted, allowing the space to see more natural light without impacting anyone’s vision while in the gym.

The gym has also seen interior renovations, with the floor redone and the space’s metal grates repainted. LED lights have been put under the gym’s balcony, as well as being hung overhead. Gillispie said new padding has also been put up, as well as a new wood trim that he states matches the lobby and the rest of the facility’s interior.

Gillispie said “numerous donors” have pitched in for the gym and windows project. The donors will be recognized for their contribution, with their names imprinted on the gym floor.

“We are grateful for all the support,” Gillispie said. “We are lucky to have a YMCA. We’ve been around since 1903 and people helping out is always great, and all the improvements that you see, we’ve been gradually doing this every year.”

More renovation projects are in the works as well for the YMCA, Gillispie said. This would include work in the facility’s women’s locker room, work on the pool area, repainting parts of the facility and more.

To learn more about the Elkins-Randolph County YMCA, visit elkinsymca.com or call 304-636-4515.