Lexington, KY, October 4, 2025
News Summary
The YMCA of Central Kentucky has sold its High Street location after more than 60 years in the community. The property was purchased by Tramell Webb Partners, Inc., a developer focusing on student housing. This strategic sale is aimed at ensuring the YMCA’s sustainability and future growth, allowing it to adapt to the community’s evolving needs. The board will decide later this month whether to rebuild on part of the property or look for alternative locations, while maintaining all existing memberships and programs.
Lexington, Kentucky – The YMCA of Central Kentucky has announced the sale of its High Street location, which has been a part of the community for over 60 years. The property located at 239 E. High St. has been sold to Tramell Webb Partners, Inc., a developer specializing in student housing. The decision, made by the YMCA Board of Directors and revealed on Thursday, comes after financial assessments indicated that upgrading the aging building to modern standards was not viable.
The YMCA’s board has identified the sale as a crucial step in ensuring the organization’s sustainability and future impact on the community. The sale of the property will generate significant resources, although it will not be sufficient to fully fund the construction of a new facility. The organization will require additional support from members, donors, and the local community to realize its vision for a new space.
As the YMCA transitions from the High Street location, it faces decisions regarding its immediate future. There are two main options: to remain on a portion of the property and rebuild or to seek alternative locations. A final decision is expected later in October, as the board assesses their options and the community’s needs. Despite the changes, the YMCA is committed to continuing all memberships, programs, and services during this transitional period.
The facility on High Street has provided various amenities over the years, including an indoor pool, fitness center, basketball court, and a walking track, all of which have been integral to the downtown Lexington community. The YMCA is dedicated to maintaining its service to local residents despite the impending changes.
The board’s decision to sell reflects a strategic move towards ensuring that the YMCA can adapt and grow in a manner that meets the evolving demands of the community it serves. This approach aims to position the YMCA for meaningful contributions to the downtown area and to enhance its overall impact.
Background Context
The YMCA of Central Kentucky has a long-standing history in Lexington, providing recreational, educational, and social services to the community. The High Street location has been a key hub for local residents, supporting countless programs designed for families, children, and individuals of all ages. The decision to sell the property signals a significant shift for the organization, which has been exploring options to modernize its facilities and programs to better serve the community’s needs.
Next Steps
The YMCA Board of Directors plans to meet later this month to finalize decisions about the future of the organization, including how to proceed with the rebuilding or relocation process. The timeline for these developments will depend on community input and financial considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the YMCA selling its High Street location?
The sale was prompted by financial analyses that suggested upgrading the current building was not feasible. The board aims to ensure the YMCA’s sustainability and impactful future.
2. Who purchased the High Street property?
The property has been sold to Tramell Webb Partners, Inc., a developer focused on student housing.
3. What will happen to the YMCA’s programs and services during this transition?
The YMCA will continue to offer memberships, programs, and services while planning for its future.
4. What are the YMCA’s next steps following the sale?
The board will decide later in October whether to rebuild on the existing site or find a new location.
5. How will the sale impact the downtown Lexington community?
The YMCA remains committed to serving the community, with plans to adapt to better meet local needs through the resources generated by the sale.
Key Features of the YMCA High Street Transition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 239 E. High St., Lexington, KY |
| New Owner | Tramell Webb Partners, Inc. |
| Years of Operation | Over 60 years |
| Amenities | Indoor pool, fitness center, basketball court, walking track |
| Future Plans | Possibly rebuild on part of property or seek alternative location |
| Board Decision Timeline | Final decisions expected by late October |
| Community Support | Additional funding required from members and donors |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
YMCA of Central Kentucky to Sell Long-Standing High Street Property
Lexington Prepares for 250th Anniversary Celebrations
Lexington Reports Wallet Theft and Landlord Fraud
Additional Resources
- WKYT: Lexington YMCA location sold to student housing developer
- Wikipedia: YMCA
- Kentucky.com: YMCA’s High Street site sold
- Google Search: YMCA Central Kentucky
- WKYT Video: Lexington YMCA location sold
- Google Scholar: YMCA Community Impact
- W42ST: Century-old residence sold
- Encyclopedia Britannica: YMCA
- WKYT Weather: 3 Degree Guarantee
- Google News: YMCA Lexington
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
