YMCA In Downtown SF Planning Renovation

by Jill Johnson
March 14, 2013 4:35 PM


The building that sits on the corner of 11th Street and Minnesota Avenue in Sioux Falls. The building was there even before the downtown YMCA called it home 90 years ago. The majority of the south side of the building was built in the 1920's, and since then, it's seen it's fair share of renovations.

YMCA President/CEO Mike Gulick says, "Originally there was a dormitory, housing units, and gym and pool and as we expanded and as we added onto the base, added two pools, added a double gymnasium so it's kind of grown as the city grew."

It's the south side that the YMCA wants to focus on.

Gulick says, "So when you are out on Minnesota here, and you're looking at the building from the west to the east. Take that door go all the way to the north to where there's a youth entrance, that's the old section of the building."

The YMCA's President and CEO Mike Gulick says they plan on turning four floors into affordable housing. As many as 52 units would be available for those who qualify. But before the $6.8 million renovation can get underway, the South Dakota Housing Authority needs to approve it as a tax credit project.

"Now we wait until other projects and ours are considered and hopefully we get a nod," says Gulick.

If and when that happens, they'll be able to turn their attention to the north end.

Gulick says, "We're on the second level. The bottom level is the pools, then on this level, then on the top level is the two gymnasiums, running tracks, two racquetball courts, all that stays in tact, it just gets a facelift."

Built in the 1960's, Gulick says they would also need to do some renovations.

"When you have a space like this that's been added onto and has multiple stairs, I think the Y can do a much better job and reach many more people that have a disibility or have a hard time getting through the building," says Gulick.

Making sure the YMCA serves the community for 90 more years.

The South Dakota Housing Authority is expected to make it's decision in late April or early may. The YMCA says if the project isn't approved this year, there's always next year.

The YMCA serves more than 1,500 children and 3,500 adults in Sioux Falls.