Lexington High Street YMCA to look for new downtown location after sale
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- YMCA of Central Kentucky sold High Street site to Tramell Webb for student housing.
- Board voted to sell entire property and hire consultant to find new site.
- YMCA will remain open through March 2026 and develop a transition plan.
YMCA officials have decided to find a new downtown location for its popular High Street branch.
The YMCA of Central Kentucky announced this month it had sold the popular downtown location to Florida-based developer Tramell Webb Partners Inc. for the purpose of building private student housing.
At the time, YMCA officials said they would explore staying on the property and partner with Tramell Webb to build a new YMCA alongside the student housing or sell the property in its entirety to the developer.
But the YMCA of Central Kentucky board voted Wednesday to sell the entire property and find a new location.
“The board’s decision was made with one objective in mind: to secure the Y’s ability to serve this community well into the future,” said Steve Byars, board chair of the YMCA of Central Kentucky. “We’re deeply proud of the High Street YMCA’s history, and now we have a chance to build upon that legacy in ways that reflect how our community continues to grow and change.”
The board has also hired Al Isaac, president and founder of NAI Isaac Commercial Properties, as a consultant as it searches for a new downtown location. A committee of the board will help look for a new space.
The YMCA will remain open until March 2026, Y officials said. It will develop a transition plan for when the YMCA will leave 239 E. High St.
“The heart of the Y has always been the people,” said Paula Anderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Kentucky. “As we take these next steps, we do so with gratitude, care, and confidence that the Y’s impact will continue to grow in new and meaningful ways for generations to come.”
This story was originally published October 23, 2025 at 1:05 PM.
