08-02-2025
YMCA moves out of downtown Anderson
ANDERSON — For more than 100 years, the YMCA has had a presence in downtown Anderson.
But the not-for-profit organization recently closed its location at Jackson and 12th streets and moved to a new location on Lindberg Road.
This week a crew was working on removing the final items belonging to the YMCA and cleaning the property.
In 2018 the YMCA sold the building to the Ohio-based Episcopal Retirement Services, which converted the upper floors into the Parkview Apartments.
The move to the InerG Impact Center in the 2600 block of Lindberg Road was the result of the YMCA's lease for a portion of the downtown building expiring on Dec. 31.
The YMCA board was looking for a new location when the partnership with InerG Impact became part of the discussions.
In a press release, the YMCA called it a difficult but necessary decision to move because of the cost to maintain the facility, which was not sustainable.
'As a nonprofit that specializes in being a business incubator, InerG Impact, with its community-first mentality and a mission that aligns with the YMCA's mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, they are a wonderful organization to come alongside and develop an alliance with,' YMCA CEO Clark Simpson said of the decision.
Rachel Randolph, director of the InerG Impact Center, said members of both boards believed locating the YMCA was a good fit for each organization.
She said the YMCA should be operating at the new location by Feb. 14. A grand opening celebration is set for Feb. 28.
'The YMCA started moving about a month ago,' Randolph said. 'There are still a couple of steps to complete, including a separate entrance.
'It's exciting for the YMCA,' she said. 'It's a learning experience for all of us.'
Two exercise rooms are already in place. Randolph said there will be several orientation meetings for both organizations.
'The strategic alliance between InerG Impact and the YMCA of Madison County marks a transformative moment for our community,' said executive director C. David Graham Sr. in a press release.
'By combining our missions, we are fostering holistic wellness for the founders, small business owners and community members we serve,' he added.
Parkview Apartments are managed by the Anderson Housing Authority.
Kim Townsend, executive director of AHA, said she has heard that someone may be interested in purchasing the YMCA building.
'We're not concerned,' she said. 'We know the apartments are doing well.'
Townsend said the building, when purchased, was done with the potential to add apartments.
The YMCA had been leasing the ground floor and basement of the building and recently sold a lot of items through an online auction.
