YMCA announces plans for new fitness center in downtown South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – The YMCA of Greater Michiana appears to have found a new home in the heart of downtown South Bend.

Pending approval this Thursday from the city’s redevelopment commission, the YMCA says it will begin leasing the third and fourth floors of the Memorial Leighton Healthplex (111 W. Jefferson Boulevard) from the city in June. The space is currently home to Beacon Health & Fitness South Bend.

“It’s a good win for the city,” said Caleb Bauer, Executive director of Community investment. “It keeps preservation of the downtown fitness location, but also really adding the second location for the y in South Bend makes sense and seemed like a good fit, and we look forward to them opening here in the near future.

If approved, the YMCA will sign an eight-year, rent-free lease with the city at the Leighton Healthplex. In exchange, the YMCA will donate its old building on Northside Boulevard to the city at no cost for future redevelopment.

“We believe theres good redevelopment potential there,” said Bauer. “Its right by the farmers market its an exciting site with good river frontage.”

“The city of South Bend is excited to continue a downtown fitness presence and grateful to the YMCA for its willingness to take over fitness operations downtown,” said South Bend Mayor James Mueller. “We are grateful for the YMCA’s continued commitment to expanding operations in South Bend. The city will move forward with redevelopment of the former YMCA on Northside Boulevard, which will benefit both the nearby neighborhoods as well as the entire South Bend community.”

Once up and running, the Downtown South Bend YMCA will offer a wide range of amenities, including cardiovascular and weight training equipment, personal training, a basketball court, a racquetball court, an indoor track, a lap pool, a therapy pool, a whirlpool, saunas, aquatic and fitness classes, locker rooms, and more. Beacon Health & Fitness is donating equipment and supplies to the new YMCA facility.

“Its an amenity that people are looking for when deciding where to live,” said Bauer. “If somebody is looking to rent an apartment near downtown, they might be looking for a gym facility. And now we got one that will continue.”

The YMCA says it will maintain operations at the O’Brien Center on the city’s south side under a new three-year agreement that is currently being finalized with South Bend Venues Parks & Arts.

Beacon Health & Fitness will remain open to members through May 31. The YMCA says members of Beacon Health & Fitness South Bend who wish to maintain access to a downtown fitness facility will receive an exclusive invitation to join the YMCA.

South Bend city employees will also be eligible for discounted memberships at the new facility.

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