Old YMCA building getting torn down in hopes of new life

SOUTH BEND, Ind.— The YMCA Greater Michiana made the decision to close their South Bend location in Northside Boulevard back in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and inability to attire to its demanding upkeep, never opening their doors again. 

They will now remove the condemned building in hopes of bringing new life to the property.

Cameras and a fence will go up during the transitional phase to keep the area safe.

The YMCA has been operating in South Bend since 1882 and they tell us they aren’t going anywhere following the decision to demolish the location that had served the community since 1964.

Broken Windows, overgrown vegetation, and vandalism taking over what was once South Bend’s YMCA hub.

The YMCA of Greater Michiana says they are working with the city to find new life for the property, right off the St. Joe River, by demolishing the now condemned building in hopes it can be replaced by another hub for community activities, likely not a YMCA facility any longer.  

The foreseeable future of the YMCA is still in South Bend on the city’s South Side at the O’Brien Center.

That is where they will continue offering its classes, camps, and services the same as before, just minus the pool.

"Like I said we moved all of our services here so were offering all of our fitness, summer day camp is here, tumbling, gymnastics, dance so the Y in South Bend is not gone simply just moved further South," says Kayla O'Brien, the Marketing Director for YMCA of Greater Michiana.

The 'Y' hosts several fundraisers to keep up with their programming and provide scholarships for those who can’t afford a membership.

For more information on their upcoming events, including their Greatest Chef event coming up October 19, visit: https://www.ymcagm.org.