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The YMCA of Greater Des Moines’ second-largest branch will soon open in Waukee.

Topped in size only by the 100,000-square-foot Riverfront YMCA downtown, the 73,000-square-foot facility under construction at 210 N. Warrior Lane will replace the community’s branch at 575 University Ave.

That 28,000-square-foot space, which the Y leases for $1 a year from the Waukee Community School District, has been outgrown, said Eric Kress, executive director. Since the facility opened in 2001, memberships at the branch, which has no gym, pool, racquetball court or walking track, have more than doubled.

“This is going to be a huge upgrade,” Kress said.

The new building will contain two gymnasiums, two swimming pools, two racquetball courts and three group exercise studios. There will also be a walking track and more than 200 parking spaces to accommodate the branch’s 6,000 members.

“Neither the school district or the YMCA could have anticipated the exceptional growth in the area,” said Jackie Feddersen Matt, the Y’s director of marketing and development. A 2008 U.S. Census Bureau report identified Waukee as the fastest-growing city in Iowa. The Y projects that the new facility could attract an additional 6,000 members, growing its roster to 12,000 by January 2010.

“That’s our goal,” Kress said. “That’s what we’re shooting for.”

Kress said a large donation by Phil and Charlotte Broderick made the $15 million development possible. The Brodericks, long-time Waukee residents, gave 10 acres of land to the Y last year, defraying the cost of the project by about $1 million. Charlotte died in March 2009.

The remaining $14 million will be financed thorough the issuance of Iowa revenue bonds and a capital fund-raising campaign, he said.

A typical Y of this size draws 800 to 1,000 people a day, Kress said, adding that he anticipates hiring an additional 75 part-time employees to help manage the branch.

A grand opening, ribbon cutting and other special events are being planned to take place prior to the expected mid-October opening.