As part of the larger movement of institutions out of central Boston following the filling-in of Back Bay, and as a consequence of a series of fires that altered land use and building patterns in downtown Boston as in other parts of the country, many businesses and organizations moved farther away from downtown, farther down Huntington Avenue.

Some of these included the Museum of Fine Arts, the New England Conservatory, and the Opera House, all located within the same street block as the site for the new YMCA.

In 1911, construction began on a new complex of buildings for YMCA, designed by prominent Boston architectural firm Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge.

The YMCA on Huntington Avenue is built on a peninsula once known as Gravelly Point, and is adjacent to the land reclaimed by the filling in of Back Bay in the early twentieth century.

The lobby opened into a double height, sky-lit main reception hall, likewise decorated in an elegant fashion.

The use of expensive materials in the lobby and reception hall affirmed the status of YMCA as a well-funded organization and reinforced its intention to cultivate 'good taste' among its members.

An original blueprint conserved in the Northeastern University Archives shows that select classrooms were designated as Bible Study Rooms, evidence of the institution's continued adherence to its founding ideas.

Each floor featured a central long hallway surrounded on all sides by classrooms and labs, offices, or larger gathering spaces.

YMCA offered both classes and boarding at prices that were significantly lower than those of nearby the academic institutions and was open in the evening, so that young men who worked during the day could access their services.

The organization's many popular lectures and classes were in such demand that they were incorporated into what was then known then as Northeastern College, a degree granting institution.

The plan, developed by YMCA of Greater New York, combined evangelism with athletics and encouraged attention to all four aspects of a young man's life: spiritual, intellectual, physical and social.

The building is a distinctive feature of the Boston landscape, especially its tapestry brick façade on Huntington Avenue crowned with a large incandescent bulb block letter sign, the only one of its kind left in New England.

The new Y offers over 10,000 square feet of strengthen and cardio space, an expanded pool, locker rooms for men, women, families and children, a dedicated teen center, classrooms for after school and adult education, gym, sport courts and multi-purpose studios.

However, the changes to the historical YMCA complex, such as the demolition of the pool to make way for the residential facility, have been met with stiff opposition from the community.

Close to 1,000 members of YMCA signed a petition to prevent the Phoenix Property Co. and Northeastern from constructing the new dormitory.