The YMCA of Greater Toledo plans to complete the purchase of the former LA Fitness Center on Holland-Sylvania Road near Central Avenue by the end of this year.
“The opportunity that building presents to us is just something we never even considered and it’s just fantastic,” said YMCA President and CEO Brad Toft. The 53,000 square foot facility includes exercise areas and an indoor pool. “One of the needs that we know exists for the Sylvania community is swimming lessons. We’re going to be able to provide that in the facility. We’re going to be able to have some tremendous family interactive and program space.” The new facility is expected to open no later than the third quarter of 2026 after renovations are completed.
Toledo’s YMCA system serves more than 100,000 people annually with nearly 70,000 members. There are currently nine branches in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.
The addition of the new campus will not have a negative impact on the existing nearby YMCA/JCC facility on Sylvania Avenue, according to Toft. “Our commitment to that campus is still very strong. We’re grateful for our partnership with the Jewish Federation and Jewish community.” The YMCA/JCC facility includes a childcare center, summer camp, and an outdoor pool. Future plans include addressing more program needs there. Toft added, “we’re evaluating what that looks like right now.”
Reaction to the announcement of a new YMCA has been positive, according to the Y’s president. “Our donors respect the efficiency of the stewardship of the dollars we’re putting into the project.” Due diligence showed that the building, closed as a fitness center this summer, is in good condition. An elevator will be added and there will be some minor repairs.
Toft believes the new campus will help the YMCA’s mission of helping improve and change lives in the area. “It really is a unique opportunity. We did a study to really look at what the program needs were in that area of the community. This facility literally checked the box of almost everything that the community said they wanted.”
The purchase price will remain confidential until the sale is officially closed.
