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The YMCA inside the Athenaeum has been in operation since the early 1990's.
File Photo / WFYIThe YMCA at the Athenaeum on Mass Ave will close soon, leaving only one YMCA in downtown Indianapolis.
The location inside the Athenaeum has been in operation since the early 90’s when the Athenaeum Foundation took ownership of the historic building.
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis says the decision to close the location was agreed on by both organizations and will help long term sustainability.
In a statement YMCA CEO and President Gregg Hiland commented on the closure. “While transitions like these are never easy, we are confident that this change will position the YMCA to better serve our community and fulfill our mission for years to come.”
The Athenaeum says it is exploring other options for the space inside the community center to still be used for wellness programming. The building has served as a community center since the late 1800’s when it was known as the German House.
Pre-pandemic there were three YMCA locations downtown. The YMCA at the City Market closed in 2020. The Irsay Family YMCA at CityWay will be the sole downtown location after the March 28th closure. Ten other YMCA facilities are located around central Indiana.
Contact WFYI Managing City Editor Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.
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