At the groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for the YMCA/YWCA central facility, the speeches were short and inspiring. The preschoolers were adorable in their hard hats and yellow T-shirts that read: “I’m Why,” a play on the “Your Y/you’re why” fundraising campaign.

But the scene stealer came at the end. Youngsters and oldsters couldn’t take their eyes off the giant piece of construction equipment that tore down one remaining wall of the former Big Brothers Big Sisters Bingo Hall at 930 N. Monroe.

It was a fitting metaphor for what both Y’s have done during their century of work in the Spokane area. They have broken down the walls that separate community members. The YMCA pioneered sports programs that allowed children of all ages, from all socioeconomic backgrounds, to play on level fields. The YWCA pioneered programs that gave voice and power to abused, neglected and underserved women and children.

Both Y’s settled into downtown locations early in the city’s history and prospered there. Their riverfront properties grew increasingly valuable as Spokane was discovered by condo developers and people with the means to live in an upscale urban setting. So the Y boards chose to sell their individual buildings, combine forces and stay downtown.

Monica Walters, executive director of the YWCA, explains: “We felt a deep commitment to stay in the core of downtown as we see all the new development and renovation that will bring wealth into the core. You can’t abandon West Central and other (low-income) neighborhoods that need these programs. This is a place to come, whether you are living in a downtown condo or a rental apartment. We have a place to come that welcomes you.”

The new building will allow the YWCA and YMCA to continue their separate programs and missions. But a shared lobby and rooftop garden will let community members know that the two organizations are united in spirit, as well as in brick and mortar.

After the bingo hall wall came tumbling down, the children returned to their Y child care programs. The challenge for both organizations will be to adjust to the changing needs of these children and those born after them.

Spokane continues to morph into a bigger city with bigger divides between the haves and have-nots. In the 21st century, the central Y will be needed more than ever as a gathering place where people from all races, creeds and means can form relationships across boundaries.

Welcome, YMCA/YWCA, to the neighborhood where you’ve been always been at home.