Business & Tech

YMCA Seeking Proposals to Develop Former La Grange Space

The YMCA of Metro Chicago demolished its building at Ogden and La Grange Road in 2010. But it is now calling for developers to propose mixed-use options for the space, which would possibly include a new YMCA facility.

Three years after demolishing the Rich Port YMCA in La Grange, the YMCA of Metro Chicago is seeking proposals to re-develop the former site.  

The property, located at 31 E. Ogden Ave., would ideally include a new facility for the YMCA, according to a news release sent Wednesday. The YMCA is seeking developers with "creative options for a mixed-use development." 

YMCA has hired the firm of Colliers International to issue the request for proposals. 

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 “We know the real estate market is starting to come back, after being hit hard by the Great Recession,” said Richard Malone, CEO of YMCA of Metro Chicago. “We want to find a feasible project that makes productive use of the space for the people of La Grange.”

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According to the news release, the Y is seeking ideas that might include a fitness center that could also serve as a base for the community programs already offered by the Y at other locations, including Lyons Township High School. 

For more than 10 years, the YMCA of Metro Chicago has been working with the La Grange community to develop potential sources of capital to build a new, permanent facility. 

In 2006, the YMCA decided it would be more feasible to build a new facility than renovate the old building. The plans stalled because of the economy, and the building was demolished in 2010. 

The YMCA is working closely with Village of La Grange officials and will engage the community as discussions move forward, according to the news release. 

In a previous interview, La Grange community development director Pat Benjamin said there was lots of outside interest in the property, but that the YMCA wanted to hold onto the property. Benjamin could not be reached for comment Wednesday. 

TELL US: What would you like to see at the old Rich Port YMCA property? 


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