FOR RELEASE:
September 15, 2023

CONTACT:
Maxwell Love, Maxwell.love@cityofracine.org, 262-721-7622

City of Racine Takes Big Step Toward Improving Downtown Lakefront with Potential Acquisition of Racine Family YMCA
City and Racine Family YMCA Board engaged in conversation

RACINE—The City of Racine is engaged in conversations with the Racine Family YMCA to resolve the situation with the YMCA’s downtown facility at 725 Lake Ave. The location was a cornerstone of the Racine community for decades, serving thousands of kids and their families. Unfortunately, after years on the market, the building has fallen into disrepair. To address the issue and lay groundwork for transformative redevelopment projects, the city is taking this proactive step with the YMCA to start the process to legally take possession of the facility.

Mayor Cory Mason expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative stating, “I hear from residents often about how this building is in disrepair. Both the city and the YMCA hoped that a private developer could redevelop the site, unfortunately that didn’t come to fruition. Now I am pleased to announce that we are working with the YMCA to acquire the property. I would like to thank the YMCA for helping bring us to a resolution—it’s a win-win for us both.”

The city invites the public to participate in a Community Development Authority public hearing scheduled for 6 p.m. on September 18 in Room 303 at City Hall. This forum aims to gather valuable input from the community, helping to assess the acquisition’s potential to eradicate blight and stimulate development.

Public Hearing details:

DATE: September 18, 2023
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
LOCATION: City Hall, Room 303

Following the public hearing, the Common Council will deliberate during their next scheduled meeting. Additionally, approval from the Racine Family YMCA Board of Directors is required. Once approved, the transaction will be subject to the fulfillment of related agreements and conditions, with a closing anticipated later this year.

Press are requested to contact Maxwell Love for any follow-ups. Potential developers and other parties are welcome to contact Development Director Walter D. Williams at Walter.Williams@cityofracine.org