By Michele Owen—
MUNCIE, IN—The Downtown YMCA has been a landmark in the heart of the city since 1975. In 2022, the City of Muncie Redevelopment Commission purchased the Y building to assist in the capital campaign for a new downtown facility, and to preserve the prime location of the building.
“This area of downtown is the main gathering space of downtown events….[we] plan to seek out more uses that complement and enhance the area,” commented Mayor Ridenour at the time. Now, the Y has been purchased by True Development Solutions, who have big plans to repurpose the building.
Current plans for the location include adding an additional two stories, which is possible due to the brick building’s solid foundation. The building will be converted into 59 market-rate apartments, with a plan for retail on the first floor and a restaurant with rooftop access on the top. Engineering and Architecture for the property will begin immediately, with construction to begin in 2025. The project should be completed within 24 months.
“I think it’s terrific,” says Muncie Redevelopment Commission President Jeff Howe. “It’s a great addition to our downtown.” The MRC bought the building in 2022 for $500,000, and sold it for just over $770,000, which will go to support more infrastructure and development projects.
Michele Owen is Communications Director for the City of Muncie
Artist rendering of downtown YMCA building.
