Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The YMCA of Greater Michiana announced Tuesday plans to bring its mission and community resources to the heart of Downtown South Bend. 

Pending approval this Thursday from the city’s Redevelopment Commission, the YMCA will begin leasing the third and fourth floors of 111 W. Jefferson Blvd. from the City of South Bend in June. The space is currently home to Beacon Health and Fitness South Bend. 

The agreement outlines that the YMCA will lease the Leighton Healthplex space rent-free through Dec. 31, 2032. In exchange, the YMCA will transfer its 1201 Northside Blvd. property to the city at no cost for future redevelopment. Downtown South Bend YMCA operations are expected to commence this summer, with Beacon Health & Fitness South Bend members using the facility through May 31. 

“Our new downtown South Bend location continues the over 140-year legacy of the Y in this region. We’re excited by the endless possibilities the space holds and proud to have partnered with the City and Beacon to make it happen,” said Andre Gammage, St. Joseph County Magistrate Judge and a member of the YMCA’s Board of Directors. “Together, we’re ensuring that South Bend residents will 

continue to have access to a wide range of exceptional resources that will support them and their families, and strengthen the community. Moreover, we look forward to the emergence of new opportunities for the City of South Bend from our former Northside Boulevard site.” 

“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 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 Blvd., which will benefit both the nearby neighborhoods as well as the entire South Bend community.” 

Transition Support 

The YMCA O’Brien Center, located just 3.5 miles away at 321 E. Walter St., will continue to be an part of the YMCA family. Under a new three-year agreement currently being finalized with South Bend Venues Parks & Arts, the O’Brien Center will remain readily available to YMCA members. 

During the transition period leading up to the opening of the new downtown facility, YMCA members will have full use of the O’Brien Center and its amenities. Additionally, YMCA members will enjoy the availability of other YMCA facilities across the region, ensuring uninterrupted access to fitness and recreational resources. 

Beacon Health & Fitness is generously donating equipment and supplies to the new YMCA facility. In addition, Beacon is actively communicating with its members about the changes that are happening at this location. Beacon Medical Group offices and Memorial Outpatient Therapy Services will remain in their current location on the first floor of the Leighton Healthplex building. 

Once up and running, the Downtown South Bend YMCA will offer a wide range of amenities, including cardiovascular and weight training equipment, personal training, basketball court, racquetball court, indoor track, lap pool, therapy pool, whirlpool, saunas, aquatic and fitness classes, locker rooms, and more. The City of South Bend and the YMCA will also collaborate on future facility upgrades, ensuring that necessary improvements are made to enhance the overall member experience. 

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. Additionally, City of South Bend employees will be eligible for a discounted membership. 

“We are honored to continue Beacon Health System’s work of promoting community wellness and grateful to the City of South Bend for their support in our expansion,” said Mark Weber, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Michiana. “We remain committed to engaging with members and stakeholders throughout this transition process and look forward to welcoming everyone to our grand opening celebration in the coming months.” 

For YMCA membership information and opening updates, please visit ymcagm.org/DTSB. 

About the YMCA of Greater Michiana.