Historic Downtown Denver YMCA to Close as Building Transitions to Affordable Housing, FOX31 Reports Once
A long-standing Denver landmark is preparing for a major transformation. The historic Downtown Denver YMCA, located at 25 E. 16th Ave., will shut its doors at the end of the year as the property is sold and redeveloped to create more affordable housing in the city.
For more than two decades, the YMCA and the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) have shared the building, ever since the YMCA sold 45,000 square feet of the property to CCH in 2001. CCH has operated supportive housing on the upper floors, while the YMCA has continued offering fitness programs, camps, and community services in the lower levels.
Now, both organizations say the building will be fully converted to help address Denver’s escalating housing crisis. CCH plans to renovate and expand the facility into additional affordable housing units while preserving the historic character of the structure.
CCH CEO Britta Fisher noted that Denver’s need for housing is urgent, citing National Low Income Housing Coalition data showing only 26 affordable rental units available for every 100 low-income households statewide. Additional pressure comes from Denver’s high rental costs — ranked 25th most expensive among major U.S. cities — though prices have eased since 2024.
Under the agreement, the YMCA will sell its remaining share of the building to CCH, with the sale expected to close in January 2026. Renovations and upgrades — including unit improvements, expanded community spaces, and enhanced service areas — are scheduled to begin in 2027.
The Downtown Denver YMCA will officially end operations on Dec. 30. Members will be able to move to any of the five metro-area YMCA branches, and staff members will be offered roles at other YMCA locations or in child care and Out of School Time programs.
YMCA leadership emphasized that although the downtown facility is closing, their mission continues across the metro area through youth programs, swim lessons, sports, wellness services, and early childhood education.
Discussion about this post