When it opens in early December, no doubt it will be fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A in downtown Detroit.

But until then, there's a lot of work to be done for the building trades and construction manager Barton-Malow. They're on a fast track to complete the four-story, 100,000-square-foot facility. About 60 Hardhats are toiling on the downtown project, working in a mostly enclosed building with the elevated People Mover running through the site, and surrounded by traffic and pedestrians on ground that's been alternately frozen and mucky.

Despite the adverse conditions, "we're doing great, things are ahead of schedule," said Barton-Malow Project Manager Loren Luedeman. "The contractors have done a great job and we've had a lot of support from the building trades."

The new $30 million Y at Broadway and John R will have much to offer. A feasibility study conducted in the early planning stages helped determine the features to best meet the community's needs. The result: beyond the fitness center, the building will include a performing arts theater, arts and humanities center/studio, sports arena, child care/family resource center and a natatorium, with lap lanes, a whirlpool and family play areas.

"Every great city deserves a great YMCA," said YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit President and CEO Reid Thebault. "And this YMCA will be one of the best in the country, serving as a gathering place where all are welcome."

The new Y is being erected on a former parking lot. Aside from buried rubble and some old brick foundations, excavators found little of interest when preparing the footings. A problematic leaky water main under the site was eventually repaired.

This will be downtown Detroit's first new YMCA in 90 years. The old YMCA at Adams and Witherell was torn down about seven years ago for the construction of nearby Comerica Park.

The new YMCA is being wedged into place, going right up to the property lines on two sides and never far from active thoroughfares. The presence of the People Mover restricts the use of cranes and the movement of goods.

"Probably the biggest challenge we've had is that the site is cramped and arranging material delivery, and storing materials is difficult," said Sacharissa Suthers, project engineer for Barton Malow. "But we have good people here, we're a good team."

ON THE RISE to work on a bank of ductwork at the Detroit YMCA is Jason Steinbrink of Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 and Dee Cramer.

A RENDERING OF the completed Detroit "Y".