203 Green Street- Central Y.M.C.A. Building-
Watson, Jimmerson, Givhan, Martin & McKinney

More of this Feature • Part 1: Mike Gillespie Home • Part 2: Temple B'nai Sholom • Part 3: Judy Roper Home • Part 4: Martinson & Beason, P.C Office • Part 5: Central Y.M.C.A. Building • Part 6: Warren & Simpson, P.C. Office • Part 7: Peter Lowe Home

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Chautauqua is a festival that began in the early 1900's on the school grounds of East Clinton Street School.  It consisted of traveling performance arts groups as well as many of the local singing, dancing, storytelling, and musical groups.  East Clinton has carried on the tradition of holding a citywide festival each year in commemoration of this event.  Unfortunately the school was forced to cancel this festival about 15 years ago due to lack of support.  We began working in 2001 to begin the tradition of Chautauqua again.  Our goal is to have this be an annual city wide festival that the people of Huntsville look forward to each fall as they have in the past.  Chautauqua is a fabulous venue to focus on Huntsville history, the performance arts, unique local organizations, and the surrounding community.  Check the Events Calendar for details on this year's celebration.

Historic Homes Tour Part of Chautauqua Celebration

203 Green Street- Central Y.M.C.A. Building-
Watson, Jimmerson, Givhan, Martin & McKinney

In 1908 a group of businessmen got together to organize the first YMCA. Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the mechanical reaper, donated money toward the capital campaign and the community raised the rest. The building site was purchased for $5,500. The building was designed by Edgar Lee Love, who designed many local buildings in Huntsville and Decatur. Work began in 1919, and Huntsville's first YMCA opened in 1912.

The 19,000 square foot building is a 4 story solid masonry construction with Neoclassical Italianate features. The building served as the YMCA until 1999
when it became the property of real estate developer John Blue. Blue sold the building to the law firm later that year.  

The new owners were determined to return the building to its original state. Architect Joe Fuqua who swam in the basement pool and realized the memories that the building held for many people, worked with the law firm to restore the buildings features to their original state. Most of the original architectural features remain, including fireplaces, stairs, tile and maple floors the worn down front steps, the YMCA name above the front door and a portion of the circa 1950 wood basketball court.

203 Green Street- Central Y.M.C.A. Building-
Watson, Jimmerson, Givhan, Martin & McKinney
©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com
Photo ©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com
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