Mystic — The Ocean Community YMCA has hired a construction manager for its $7.2 million renovation and expansion of its Mystic branch and could start construction as early as the end of this year, depending on fundraising, according to Executive Director Maureen Fitzgerald.

She said Wednesday that during its silent leadership and major giving phase, the YMCA has received one $250,000 gift, five $100,000 gifts and others between $20,000 and $75,000.

Fitzgerald said a public phase of the campaign will be announced in coming weeks.

“Were off to a very good start,” she said. “But we need community members, businesses and Y members to support us in this process.”

The YMCA has hired Carlin Construction of New London as the construction manager.

“We’re excited to be working with them to bring this project to fruition. They have a lot of experience and are a very civic-minded organization,” Fitzgerald said.

According to a list on its website, Carlin has completed projects at the University of Connecticut, Mitchell College, Connecticut College, Mystic Aquarium, Millstone Nuclear Power Station and the Zachry Group on Lords Hill Road, among many others.

Fitzgerald said Carlin is now working with the project architect on the design and bidding process. She said work could begin in the late fall or early winter and take 12 to 13 months to complete.

The YMCA would remain open during the work, just as the Westerly-Pawcatuck branch did during its $8 million renovation project completed in 2013.

“We’re following the same process we did in Westerly. We check off each box and move on to the next thing,” Fitzgerald said.

The Mystic project calls for a 12,500-square-foot addition, a renovation of the aging facility and additional parking.

There will be improved handicapped access, new locker rooms, including family and special needs locker rooms, and a new entrance area that will look out over the Mystic River.

j.wojtas@theday.com