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City by the Lake.org, The Voice of Michigan City, Indiana _ City Talk _ Bank willing to donate Y to City
Posted by: wakester Feb 4 2011, 07:16 AM
At the Park Department Board meeting last night, its attorney announced that Centier Bank is willing to donate the YMCA building to Michigan City!!!!!!
Posted by: southsiderMMX Feb 4 2011, 08:21 AM
QUOTE(wakester @ Feb 4 2011, 07:16 AM) 
At the Park Department Board meeting last night, its attorney announced that Centier Bank is willing to donate the YMCA building to Michigan City!!!!!!
That building is trashed. From what I understand, it needs at least a million dollars in repairs, if not multiple millions. It was in bad shape when it closed 3 years ago, let alone being without occupations for 3.5 years.
Posted by: lovethiscity Feb 4 2011, 09:20 PM
QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Feb 4 2011, 08:21 AM)
That building is trashed. From what I understand, it needs at least a million dollars in repairs, if not multiple millions. It was in bad shape when it closed 3 years ago, let alone being without occupations for 3.5 years.
2 million is about 4.5 million less than the master plan calls for! I just want to know why such a no brainer took so damm long to make. I wonder though if it is to late, like Southsider says. The location is almost the exact center of Michigan City. Even if it were torn down and rebuilt in phases I would be all for it. Think about it........1 million for a splash pad or a revitalzed YMCA building. What would you have done if you were on the park board?
Posted by: southsiderMMX Feb 4 2011, 09:49 PM
QUOTE(lovethiscity @ Feb 4 2011, 09:20 PM)
2 million is about 4.5 million less than the master plan calls for! I just want to know why such a no brainer took so damm long to make. I wonder though if it is to late, like Southsider says. The location is almost the exact center of Michigan City. Even if it were torn down and rebuilt in phases I would be all for it. Think about it........1 million for a splash pad or a revitalzed YMCA building. What would you have done if you were on the park board?
The Y needed a million dollars worth of work three and a half years ago, before it was shutdown. I know that for a fact. I also know there was mold in the building then.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Feb 5 2011, 08:51 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/02/05/news/local/doc4d4b8d6b92ec3962710214.txt
QUOTE
YMCA may become city parks building
By Matt Field
Staff Writer
Published: Friday, February 4, 2011 5:07 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — The city may acquire the former YMCA building on Coolspring Avenue and rehab it into a recreation center and office space.
The announcement by park board attorney Jeff Katz at Thursday’s park board meeting that Centier Bank is willing to donate the building to the city could alter park department plans to build a new building in Washington Park.
Financial woes closed the YMCA in 2007 when the facility lost its charter from the national YMCA to run a facility. The building, which had a pool, basketball court and other amenities, has been shuttered for years and will require, by one estimate, at least $400,000, to make it usable.
That’s a low estimate, Katz said, in part because the park department would want to make it more than simply usable.
“If we’re going to take on this task we need to do more than just make it usable,” he said. “We need to make it usable in a first class manner.”
Several park department functions could utilize a rehabbed YMCA building, Katz said.
“It will impact the necessity of the park board building a park office down in Washington Park,” he said. “I would imagine that the (YMCA) could serve a lot of the functions of the park office.”
The park department would still need some space in Washington Park, Katz said.
Park board members said they were excited by the possibility of using the YMCA.
“I look forward to seeing what we can do with that property,” board member Bryant Dabney said.
Katz said that several steps remain before the city can accept the more than 40,000 square foot facility. He said residents, the Common Council and the mayor will need to consider whether it’s an investment they want to make.
“It’s easy to accept a donation,” he said, “but you’ve got to do it sensibly, you gotta make sure that you’ve got a funding sources to make this a good operation”
The park board authorized in January a needs-assessment study as part of its effort to replace the mold-plagued former administration building. Staff left the building for the Michigan City Senior Center in October.
By Matt Field
Staff Writer
Published: Friday, February 4, 2011 5:07 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — The city may acquire the former YMCA building on Coolspring Avenue and rehab it into a recreation center and office space.
The announcement by park board attorney Jeff Katz at Thursday’s park board meeting that Centier Bank is willing to donate the building to the city could alter park department plans to build a new building in Washington Park.
Financial woes closed the YMCA in 2007 when the facility lost its charter from the national YMCA to run a facility. The building, which had a pool, basketball court and other amenities, has been shuttered for years and will require, by one estimate, at least $400,000, to make it usable.
That’s a low estimate, Katz said, in part because the park department would want to make it more than simply usable.
“If we’re going to take on this task we need to do more than just make it usable,” he said. “We need to make it usable in a first class manner.”
Several park department functions could utilize a rehabbed YMCA building, Katz said.
“It will impact the necessity of the park board building a park office down in Washington Park,” he said. “I would imagine that the (YMCA) could serve a lot of the functions of the park office.”
The park department would still need some space in Washington Park, Katz said.
Park board members said they were excited by the possibility of using the YMCA.
“I look forward to seeing what we can do with that property,” board member Bryant Dabney said.
Katz said that several steps remain before the city can accept the more than 40,000 square foot facility. He said residents, the Common Council and the mayor will need to consider whether it’s an investment they want to make.
“It’s easy to accept a donation,” he said, “but you’ve got to do it sensibly, you gotta make sure that you’ve got a funding sources to make this a good operation”
The park board authorized in January a needs-assessment study as part of its effort to replace the mold-plagued former administration building. Staff left the building for the Michigan City Senior Center in October.
Posted by: UTBMC Feb 5 2011, 04:20 PM
QUOTE(lovethiscity @ Feb 4 2011, 10:20 PM)
2 million is about 4.5 million less than the master plan calls for! I just want to know why such a no brainer took so damm long to make. I wonder though if it is to late, like Southsider says. The location is almost the exact center of Michigan City. Even if it were torn down and rebuilt in phases I would be all for it. Think about it........1 million for a splash pad or a revitalzed YMCA building. What would you have done if you were on the park board?
Apples and oranges comparisons of the Y building vs. the building in a master plan, and the City would have also had to purchase the property first, for whatever the price tag was, and invest on top of that to rehab. (SS’r probably knows what the sell price was.)
If I recall correctly, the master plan illustrated a conceptual (idea) multi-use building for the community (as well as park headquarters) that could also generate revenue. Investing in lakefront property for the community (the city’s greatest asset as many proclaim) seems more advantageous then investing in other property that is not, if return on investment is a criteria. I suppose you would have to ask the bank why it took so long to offer to donate, but certainly, no one purchased it because it will take millions to rehab it, as SS’r correctly points out. Hefty annual investment to keep it up and operate thereafter. Interesting prospect though.
Posted by: lovethiscity Feb 6 2011, 12:06 AM
QUOTE(UTBMC @ Feb 5 2011, 04:20 PM)
Apples and oranges comparisons of the Y building vs. the building in a master plan, and the City would have also had to purchase the property first, for whatever the price tag was, and invest on top of that to rehab. (SS’r probably knows what the sell price was.)
If I recall correctly, the master plan illustrated a conceptual (idea) multi-use building for the community (as well as park headquarters) that could also generate revenue. Investing in lakefront property for the community (the city’s greatest asset as many proclaim) seems more advantageous then investing in other property that is not, if return on investment is a criteria. I suppose you would have to ask the bank why it took so long to offer to donate, but certainly, no one purchased it because it will take millions to rehab it, as SS’r correctly points out. Hefty annual investment to keep it up and operate thereafter. Interesting prospect though.
New Park Office Building
1 Building $4,710,000.00
2 Site Work and Utilities $90,000.00
3 Office asphalt parking lot $100,089.00
4 Office parking lot striping $1,836.00
5 Landscaping $10,000.00
6 Design $384,000.00
7 Construction Admin, Inspection, etc. $336,000.00
TOTAL $5,631,925.00
This is from the Parks Dept Master plan. As for a multi use facility, it is to include a bath house and maybe a hotdog stand the rest offices. And yes, this building will have operating and maint. costs as well.
the city’s greatest asset as many proclaim are the people and well worth the investment of a year round full use facility like the YMCA, if it has deteriorated beyond repair so be it. Tear it down and build the $5.6 million dollar building in it's place. First get the members of the park board and those on the city council out of here for not grabbing it at I think it was $400,000 auction price. The same two government bodies that aproved and spent a cool million on the splash pad.
Posted by: UTBMC Feb 6 2011, 09:57 AM
QUOTE(lovethiscity @ Feb 6 2011, 01:06 AM)
New Park Office Building
1 Building $4,710,000.00
2 Site Work and Utilities $90,000.00
3 Office asphalt parking lot $100,089.00
4 Office parking lot striping $1,836.00
5 Landscaping $10,000.00
6 Design $384,000.00
7 Construction Admin, Inspection, etc. $336,000.00
TOTAL $5,631,925.00
This is from the Parks Dept Master plan. As for a multi use facility, it is to include a bath house and maybe a hotdog stand the rest offices. And yes, this building will have operating and maint. costs as well.
the city’s greatest asset as many proclaim are the people and well worth the investment of a year round full use facility like the YMCA, if it has deteriorated beyond repair so be it. Tear it down and build the $5.6 million dollar building in it's place. First get the members of the park board and those on the city council out of here for not grabbing it at I think it was $400,000 auction price. The same two government bodies that aproved and spent a cool million on the splash pad.
Perhaps definition of Master Plan is in order: a general plan or program for achieving objectives.
You are not mentioning pages of additional items and not complete with what was extracted from the MP for that building (i.e., the rest offices is not accurate) AND certainly Washington Park as a whole. There are many narrative and descriptions throughout the MP, and a proposal for an actual project for a new building with a budget of any sort has never been proposed. The facility was intended to work with other attractions as part of the MP as a whole to benefit locals (citizens) and visitors to WP. (One of the complimentary attractions was the splash pad, which I agree should not have cost what it did.) It also included space that could be rented for receptions, parties, meetings, etc., which duel served as a base for the day camp program. Expansion of the building to meet current needs was important criteria, and space for lifeguard and security/police/emergency response to lakefront could be accomplished as well. MP also tagged an estimate of $700,000 to rehab the current building, but that it would not solve many issues and needs listed, or meet other goals and onjectives of the MP, so an idea for a new facility was included with rough estimates to accomplish it.
Not saying the Y would not be enjoyed by citizens, and agree they are great assets. My “asset” statement was in context to real estate and return on investment. It will be interesting to see how many millions of taxpayer (citizens) cost will be required to rehab and then operate on an annual basis the Y building and it’s amenities, and if the citizens still want it and the city takes it. The annual costs (and capital needs) were major factors why the Y lost it.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Feb 6 2011, 09:58 AM
QUOTE(lovethiscity @ Feb 6 2011, 12:06 AM)
New Park Office Building
1 Building $4,710,000.00
2 Site Work and Utilities $90,000.00
3 Office asphalt parking lot $100,089.00
4 Office parking lot striping $1,836.00
5 Landscaping $10,000.00
6 Design $384,000.00
7 Construction Admin, Inspection, etc. $336,000.00
TOTAL $5,631,925.00
This is from the Parks Dept Master plan. As for a multi use facility, it is to include a bath house and maybe a hotdog stand the rest offices. And yes, this building will have operating and maint. costs as well.
the city’s greatest asset as many proclaim are the people and well worth the investment of a year round full use facility like the YMCA, if it has deteriorated beyond repair so be it. Tear it down and build the $5.6 million dollar building in it's place. First get the members of the park board and those on the city council out of here for not grabbing it at I think it was $400,000 auction price. The same two government bodies that aproved and spent a cool million on the splash pad.
And from first hand experience, HUGE operating and maintenance costs. $10,000+ NIPSCO bills were common during the winter months.
I also agree that the City screwed up in the way that they handled this situation. If my math is right, and the reports are as well, Michigan City knew about their park HQs mold problems at about the same time the YMCA was circling the drain financially. When the mayor came in to talk about the Y's problems, his exact response was "If I help you, then I have to help everyone else."
Posted by: UTBMC Feb 6 2011, 10:24 AM
QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Feb 6 2011, 10:58 AM)
And from first hand experience, HUGE operating and maintenance costs. $10,000+ NIPSCO bills were common during the winter months.
I also agree that the City screwed up in the way that they handled this situation. If my math is right, and the reports are as well, Michigan City knew about their park HQs mold problems at about the same time the YMCA was circling the drain financially. When the mayor came in to talk about the Y's problems, his exact response was "If I help you, then I have to help everyone else."
I think I agree with you Ss’r…Yes the city/parks identified its issues and had its MP to address the issues within the WP Master Plan, and yes the plan did not include the YMCA whatsoever. I also think we are tossing more fruit salad here – two separate issues all together - WP MP vs. city helping out the Y.
Posted by: lovethiscity Feb 6 2011, 02:46 PM
QUOTE(UTBMC @ Feb 6 2011, 10:24 AM)
I think I agree with you Ss’r…Yes the city/parks identified its issues and had its MP to address the issues within the WP Master Plan, and yes the plan did not include the YMCA whatsoever. I also think we are tossing more fruit salad here – two separate issues all together - WP MP vs. city helping out the Y.
The park department master plan was compiled from a survey that had 18 pre-determined ideas. It was completed by 108 people, 74 of of them were actual Michigan City residents. It was not looking for ideas it was telling us about theirs. What it does not represent is the fact that every single structured activity by the parks dept. between route 12 and route 20 has been removed, gone.
Michigan City the only lake front community on the great lakes with a dwindling population. We do have some problems. The top five things people look for when relocating are:
1. Schools (MCAS are in a bit of a mess, but I have a high hope the new admin. is on the right track)
2. Entertainment (dinning, theater, art and things of that nature. MC is making progress in this area)
3. Family activities (little league, recreation centers, YMCA, skate parks, swimming pools, structured activities in the actual neighborhoods) we fail bad in this area.
4. Churches (this is an area that we may acually have an over abundace of)
5. coming in at number 5. is Jobs (people are willing to travel to a job if the community have addressed 1-4 with smart planning. There is a message board that tells folks that have been transfered to Michigan City for their job, to look for housing in Chesterton or New Buffalo. The central location for a community center park office is a huge step in changing that. Now is the time to reverse 35 years of shrinking the population.)
We need to invest in the community not develop the Asset of the Lake front, it is an asset because of its natural beauty not its buildings. There is no need for a lake side office period.
Posted by: UTBMC Feb 6 2011, 08:13 PM
[quote name='lovethiscity' date='Feb 6 2011, 03:46 PM' post='30821']
The park department master plan was compiled from a survey that had 18 pre-determined ideas. It was completed by 108 people, 74 of of them were actual Michigan City residents. It was not looking for ideas it was telling us about theirs.
Not accurate; rather, from the MP itself:
The planning committee formulated a list of goals and consideration tasks. These are included in the appendix. The Park Department advertised and conducted public meetings to explain the planning process and to seek stakeholder input. Presentations or workshop sessions with these same goals in mind were conducted with the Michigan City Council, the Port Authority and to several local service leagues, including the Rotary Club and The Kiwanis Club. A public survey (included in Appendix) was developed and distributed throughout the community. Members of the Committee spoke to many people individually during the composition of this plan and received many thoughts on the improvements Washington Park should implement. The committee gained valuable insights from the public meetings, presentations and survey results and incorporated this knowledge into developing and refining the planning process.
Posted by: Ang Feb 9 2011, 11:01 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/02/09/news/local/doc4d50cf27a2c17306213992.txt
QUOTE
YMCA offer stirs cautious optimism
By Matt Field
Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, February 8, 2011 5:07 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — Mayoral candidates are taking an optimistic, wait-and-see approach to Michigan City possibly acquiring the former YMCA building for use as an office and recreation center.
Centier Bank offered to donate the dilapidated facility to the city to be run by the Parks & Recreation Department, park board attorney Jeff Katz has said. Mayoral candidates want to accept the offer, but with some stipulations.
Common Councilman Ron Meer said the city should “seize the opportunity” and acquire the building in the 1000 block of East Coolspring Avenue for park offices or other purposes.
“If they just gave it to us and we had to demolish the entire thing, the property is valuable to the city because of the location and we could still rebuild a facility there,” he said.
Meer said he went into the building on a job when he worked for the Sanitary District and saw leaking roofs and damaged flooring.
“Now, after three years of not being heated and air conditioned, you’ve got the extreme cold and extreme heat,” he said. “Those take a real toll on a building.”
Katz said an earlier assessment of the building that put renovation costs at $400,000 was probably low.
Candidate Jim LaRocco said he would take the bank up on its offer, under certain conditions and after a cost-benefit analysis.
“We would be taking a vacant building and putting it to good use,” he wrote in a press release Friday. “It could provide park offices, a senior center and a possible community center all in one place and with one price tag.”
Common Councilman Bob McKee also said the city should look into the accepting the building and consider the cost of rehabbing it.
“I think it could be, and I’d have to underline and highlight could be, a real positive thing,” he said.
Candidate Joie Winski cited the slow economy as a reason to consider the costs associated with accepting the building.
“I think that this community could use a community center,” she said. “However, at this tough economic time, I’m not sure this is the time to really take on a large debt. ... I’d like to see the monetary investment.”
By Matt Field
Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, February 8, 2011 5:07 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — Mayoral candidates are taking an optimistic, wait-and-see approach to Michigan City possibly acquiring the former YMCA building for use as an office and recreation center.
Centier Bank offered to donate the dilapidated facility to the city to be run by the Parks & Recreation Department, park board attorney Jeff Katz has said. Mayoral candidates want to accept the offer, but with some stipulations.
Common Councilman Ron Meer said the city should “seize the opportunity” and acquire the building in the 1000 block of East Coolspring Avenue for park offices or other purposes.
“If they just gave it to us and we had to demolish the entire thing, the property is valuable to the city because of the location and we could still rebuild a facility there,” he said.
Meer said he went into the building on a job when he worked for the Sanitary District and saw leaking roofs and damaged flooring.
“Now, after three years of not being heated and air conditioned, you’ve got the extreme cold and extreme heat,” he said. “Those take a real toll on a building.”
Katz said an earlier assessment of the building that put renovation costs at $400,000 was probably low.
Candidate Jim LaRocco said he would take the bank up on its offer, under certain conditions and after a cost-benefit analysis.
“We would be taking a vacant building and putting it to good use,” he wrote in a press release Friday. “It could provide park offices, a senior center and a possible community center all in one place and with one price tag.”
Common Councilman Bob McKee also said the city should look into the accepting the building and consider the cost of rehabbing it.
“I think it could be, and I’d have to underline and highlight could be, a real positive thing,” he said.
Candidate Joie Winski cited the slow economy as a reason to consider the costs associated with accepting the building.
“I think that this community could use a community center,” she said. “However, at this tough economic time, I’m not sure this is the time to really take on a large debt. ... I’d like to see the monetary investment.”
Posted by: taxthedeer Feb 9 2011, 02:21 PM
I came across this footage from the 1992 Michigan City YMCA Corporate Olympics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkwkQziWMyQ
Wouldn't it be nice if we could have an event like this again?
Posted by: southsiderMMX Feb 9 2011, 05:32 PM
QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Feb 9 2011, 02:21 PM)
I came across this footage from the 1992 Michigan City YMCA Corporate Olympics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkwkQziWMyQ
Wouldn't it be nice if we could have an event like this again?
As I understand it, the gym is pretty much trashed right now. Apparently there is not a pane of glass left, and some kids broke in and built skate ramps on the gym floor. I'm no scientist, but I know skateboards and basketball floors don't mix.
Posted by: Ang Feb 10 2011, 11:16 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/02/10/news/local/doc4d52157d1efbf581644652.txt
QUOTE
Mayor: YMCA building may be an opportunity or a boondoggle
By Matt Field
Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, February 9, 2011 5:08 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — Mayor Chuck Oberlie weighed in on the city’s possible acquisition of a dilapidated former YMCA building for the purpose of turning it into a park building.
In a letter dated Monday to Parks & Recreation Department Superintendent Jan Orlich, the mayor warned that acquiring the building — which will require at least $400,000 of renovation, by one estimate — might be a great opportunity or boondoggle.
He asked Orlich to compile renovation, maintenance and programming costs for bringing the building up to a “first-class facility,” and to find out how renovating the YMCA, which closed in 2007, would impact plans to build a new facility in Washington Park.
The mayor asked Orlich to consider whether the park department needs the facility, pointing out that there are buildings in town with pools, for instance. In an interview Tuesday he questioned whether the city could afford the costs of providing programming at a new recreation center.
He said the city can only get so much revenue from property taxes and that it would be difficult for the park department to find money to pay for additional programming.
“If you’re going to add expenses there, that means you’re looking at somebody else’s budget to take it away from,” he said. “So they’re going to have to tell us who.”
Park officials have previously argued they need to have an office in Washington Park to oversee operations there, the mayor said, and the idea that the old YMCA on Coolspring Avenue could serve as an office calls those statements into question.
“If ... rehabbing that building is simply an opportunity for an office, we have space in this (city hall) that they can move into tomorrow,” he said.
The park and Port Authority boards have already authorized a needs assessment study to assess a joint building.
Several mayoral candidates vying to replace Oberlie have sounded optimistic about the city accepting the property in the 1000 block of East Coolspring Avenue from Centier Bank.
Park board attorney Jeff Katz announced that the bank was willing to donate the building Thursday. He has said it could be used as a recreation center and a park office.
City officials have been considering a permanent home for park staff since they left the department’s mold-plagued administration building in October.
By Matt Field
Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, February 9, 2011 5:08 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — Mayor Chuck Oberlie weighed in on the city’s possible acquisition of a dilapidated former YMCA building for the purpose of turning it into a park building.
In a letter dated Monday to Parks & Recreation Department Superintendent Jan Orlich, the mayor warned that acquiring the building — which will require at least $400,000 of renovation, by one estimate — might be a great opportunity or boondoggle.
He asked Orlich to compile renovation, maintenance and programming costs for bringing the building up to a “first-class facility,” and to find out how renovating the YMCA, which closed in 2007, would impact plans to build a new facility in Washington Park.
The mayor asked Orlich to consider whether the park department needs the facility, pointing out that there are buildings in town with pools, for instance. In an interview Tuesday he questioned whether the city could afford the costs of providing programming at a new recreation center.
He said the city can only get so much revenue from property taxes and that it would be difficult for the park department to find money to pay for additional programming.
“If you’re going to add expenses there, that means you’re looking at somebody else’s budget to take it away from,” he said. “So they’re going to have to tell us who.”
Park officials have previously argued they need to have an office in Washington Park to oversee operations there, the mayor said, and the idea that the old YMCA on Coolspring Avenue could serve as an office calls those statements into question.
“If ... rehabbing that building is simply an opportunity for an office, we have space in this (city hall) that they can move into tomorrow,” he said.
The park and Port Authority boards have already authorized a needs assessment study to assess a joint building.
Several mayoral candidates vying to replace Oberlie have sounded optimistic about the city accepting the property in the 1000 block of East Coolspring Avenue from Centier Bank.
Park board attorney Jeff Katz announced that the bank was willing to donate the building Thursday. He has said it could be used as a recreation center and a park office.
City officials have been considering a permanent home for park staff since they left the department’s mold-plagued administration building in October.
Posted by: taxthedeer Feb 16 2011, 09:23 AM
QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Feb 9 2011, 05:32 PM)
As I understand it, the gym is pretty much trashed right now. Apparently there is not a pane of glass left, and some kids broke in and built skate ramps on the gym floor. I'm no scientist, but I know skateboards and basketball floors don't mix.
It just so happens that I am a scientist. Demolish it and build a new community center. Just like when the old Garfield school building was torn down and the fire station at 11th & Ohio St went up. What I want to know is how did we ever go from hosting an annual corporate company olympics to being trashed, run down, moldy and abandoned? Anybody been to the Y facility in Valpo?
Posted by: Ang Feb 16 2011, 10:02 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/02/16/news/local/doc4d5a0c5936062415054814.txt
QUOTE
Park board attorney denies conflict of interest over land, YMCA property
By Matt Field
Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 5:07 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — The Parks & Recreation board attorney who recently announced a bank is willing to donate the former YMCA building to the city owns land surrounding the property.
Attorney Jeff Katz, who is a property developer with a 50-percent stake in The Paragon Group, denied Monday he had a conflict of interest in reaching out to Centier Bank about donating the roughly 5-acre former YMCA property.
“I do not believe that my representation of the park board and ownership of the land adjacent to the YMCA is a conflict of interest because they were and are aware of my ownership interest,” he wrote in an e-mail.
Katz hopes to develop housing on the land adjacent to the old YMCA and called it common knowledge that he owns it.
Still, Katz acknowledged replacing a dilapidated, abandoned building — the Michigan City Family YMCA closed in 2007 — with a community center would be a boon to the area he hopes to develop. He said such a center would benefit the entire city and wouldn’t “be the factor in somebody buying a house.”
“Would my development benefit by having an active community center there?” Katz said. “I would think it would.”
The Paragon Group owns about 12 acres of land next to the former YMCA. Katz said the housing market is still too weak for a development.
Katz also is 50 percent owner of Coolwood Associates LLC, which developed Edgewood Forest, a 69-condominium development across the street from the former YMCA. Only one more unit remains to be sold.
In the e-mail, Katz wrote he recently toured the former YMCA, and it appeared to be structurally sound. He estimated it would need about $1 million in renovations, saying that’s a lot cheaper than the $8 million he estimated constructing a similar, new building would cost.
Hurdles still remain before the city can accept the facility. Katz called it a decision for the mayor and Common Council.
“It will require a revamping of the budget of the park department because the park department then moves to an operation where it has programming 12 months out of the year,” he said.
Mayor Chuck Oberlie questioned whether the city could come up with additional funding.
“How are you going to run the operations when you haven’t given your employees raises, you continue to raise out-of-pocket expenses (and) we continue to trim everybody’s budgets,” Oberlie said. “I still think we have all those pieces to bring together yet.”
By Matt Field
Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 5:07 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — The Parks & Recreation board attorney who recently announced a bank is willing to donate the former YMCA building to the city owns land surrounding the property.
Attorney Jeff Katz, who is a property developer with a 50-percent stake in The Paragon Group, denied Monday he had a conflict of interest in reaching out to Centier Bank about donating the roughly 5-acre former YMCA property.
“I do not believe that my representation of the park board and ownership of the land adjacent to the YMCA is a conflict of interest because they were and are aware of my ownership interest,” he wrote in an e-mail.
Katz hopes to develop housing on the land adjacent to the old YMCA and called it common knowledge that he owns it.
Still, Katz acknowledged replacing a dilapidated, abandoned building — the Michigan City Family YMCA closed in 2007 — with a community center would be a boon to the area he hopes to develop. He said such a center would benefit the entire city and wouldn’t “be the factor in somebody buying a house.”
“Would my development benefit by having an active community center there?” Katz said. “I would think it would.”
The Paragon Group owns about 12 acres of land next to the former YMCA. Katz said the housing market is still too weak for a development.
Katz also is 50 percent owner of Coolwood Associates LLC, which developed Edgewood Forest, a 69-condominium development across the street from the former YMCA. Only one more unit remains to be sold.
In the e-mail, Katz wrote he recently toured the former YMCA, and it appeared to be structurally sound. He estimated it would need about $1 million in renovations, saying that’s a lot cheaper than the $8 million he estimated constructing a similar, new building would cost.
Hurdles still remain before the city can accept the facility. Katz called it a decision for the mayor and Common Council.
“It will require a revamping of the budget of the park department because the park department then moves to an operation where it has programming 12 months out of the year,” he said.
Mayor Chuck Oberlie questioned whether the city could come up with additional funding.
“How are you going to run the operations when you haven’t given your employees raises, you continue to raise out-of-pocket expenses (and) we continue to trim everybody’s budgets,” Oberlie said. “I still think we have all those pieces to bring together yet.”
Posted by: j4katz Feb 16 2011, 02:50 PM
I love being demonized for giving Michigan City an opportunity to improve the quality of life here.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Feb 16 2011, 06:19 PM
QUOTE(j4katz @ Feb 16 2011, 02:50 PM)
I love being demonized for giving Michigan City an opportunity to improve the quality of life here.
The board is open. Feel free to tell your story
Posted by: Ang Feb 18 2011, 06:03 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/02/18/news/local/doc4d5dfe133d015621600945.txt
QUOTE
Park official: Dept. has strong impact here
By Matt Field
Staff Writer
Published: Friday, February 18, 2011 5:07 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — Far more people visited Washington Park Zoo in 2010 than in the preceding year, fatalities and other incidents rose on the city’s beachfront and park concession stands generally did well.
Parks & Recreation Department Superintendent Jan Orlich shared those facts and others with the Common Council on Tuesday, presenting the 2010 Annual Report. In addition to giving a statistical snapshot of park activities, Orlich pitched the department’s importance to the city.
As city officials consider accepting Centier Bank’s offer of the defunct Michigan City Family YMCA, Orlich said the department provides recreation, jobs and tourism dollars to the city.
“The Michigan City park department holds an essential position within this community, we are an essential service,” she said. “We will continue to expand programming as the needs to the community evolve.”
In addition to injecting dollars into the economy through festivals and other events, Orlich touted the department’s employment numbers, saying it “is the largest employer of seasonal hiring than any other department or business in Michigan City.”
Washington Park Zoo’s attendance figures were up 14,527 people, compared to 2009, to 74,554 in 2010.
There were 43 beach incidents in 2010, including cases where people were rescued, needed medical assistance, went missing or died, compared to 36 in 2009. The summer season saw two drownings on a day with heavy currents.
Out of the six concessions mentioned in the report, five ended 2010 with a profit. The concession at the new Splash Park lost money.
By Matt Field
Staff Writer
Published: Friday, February 18, 2011 5:07 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — Far more people visited Washington Park Zoo in 2010 than in the preceding year, fatalities and other incidents rose on the city’s beachfront and park concession stands generally did well.
Parks & Recreation Department Superintendent Jan Orlich shared those facts and others with the Common Council on Tuesday, presenting the 2010 Annual Report. In addition to giving a statistical snapshot of park activities, Orlich pitched the department’s importance to the city.
As city officials consider accepting Centier Bank’s offer of the defunct Michigan City Family YMCA, Orlich said the department provides recreation, jobs and tourism dollars to the city.
“The Michigan City park department holds an essential position within this community, we are an essential service,” she said. “We will continue to expand programming as the needs to the community evolve.”
In addition to injecting dollars into the economy through festivals and other events, Orlich touted the department’s employment numbers, saying it “is the largest employer of seasonal hiring than any other department or business in Michigan City.”
Washington Park Zoo’s attendance figures were up 14,527 people, compared to 2009, to 74,554 in 2010.
There were 43 beach incidents in 2010, including cases where people were rescued, needed medical assistance, went missing or died, compared to 36 in 2009. The summer season saw two drownings on a day with heavy currents.
Out of the six concessions mentioned in the report, five ended 2010 with a profit. The concession at the new Splash Park lost money.
What I get out of this is the Park Dept saying, "We bring all this money into the local economy, we don't deserve a run-down dilapidated Ol' YMCA--we deserve something shiney and new!"
Posted by: lovethiscity Feb 18 2011, 09:24 PM
QUOTE(Ang @ Feb 18 2011, 06:03 PM)
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/02/18/news/local/doc4d5dfe133d015621600945.txt
What I get out of this is the Park Dept saying, "We bring all this money into the local economy, we don't deserve a run-down dilapidated Ol' YMCA--we deserve something shiney and new!"
Ang, it was the sales pitch for the Patriot Park expansion, approved later that night was the engineering phase of the 2 million dollar plus new ball fields.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 12 2011, 08:16 AM
http://heraldargus.com/articles/2011/08/11/news/local/doc4e432e5b1d317585796608.txt
QUOTE
Former YMCA could become community center
By Tim Moran
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, August 11, 2011 5:06 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — The city is exploring the idea of transforming the former Michigan City Family YMCA, 1001 E. Coolspring Ave., into a community center.
The property has belonged to Centier Bank since 2007 when the YMCA could no longer financially sustain operations. The bank now has offered to donate the building to the city.
Mayor Chuck Oberlie released a letter, along with background documents regarding the possible community center, to City Council members last week. The package included a report from the city engineer and various inspectors on the building’s condition and a proposed operating budget and programming plans if the purchase is approved.
The documents indicate an estimated startup cost of $228,090, with a yearly operating budget set at $508,065, which would include more than $300,000 in expenses to cover the pay for 20 employees.
“If you could fix the building for a couple million, it could become an asset,” Oberlie said.
To offset some of the operating costs, membership dues would charge adult Michigan City residents $360 a year and non-residents up to $480 a year.
But before any operating plan can be put in place, the building has to be repaired after being vacant for the last three to four years.
In a letter sent from Tonn & Blank Construction LLC to Jeffrey Katz, Michigan City Park board attorney, the total budget for repair work was estimated at $1.06 million.
“To construct a new building similar to the existing YMCA would cost a minimum of $7 to $8 million, plus the cost of purchasing a site to accommodate a building of this size,” wrote Joe Coar, Tonn & Blank vice president of operations.
“You could spend up to $2 million and still justify the tremendous savings to our community.”
An inspection of the building performed in March indicated lack of maintenance requiring significant repairs. City engineer Boyd Phelps and numerous inspectors said the entire built-up roof system requires removal and replacement, 12 of the 14 rooftop units need to be replaced and “all pool electrical equipment that remains must be replaced due to terminal damage by liquid and chlorine vapor corrosion.”
If repairs are made and the building is put back in use, the Michigan City Park Department will offer programming, which would include swim lessons, after-school programming and youth sports camps, among other activities.
In Oberlie’s letter to council members, he said it is not his intent to include any of the items on the 2012 budget, but is submitting the information “so an informed decision can be made on the offer amongst the Park Board, administration and City Council.”
Oberlie said Wednesday the next step is for Council President Marc Espar to form a committee, which would include a member from the city council and park department.
An appropriation out of the Riverboat fund then would be initiated by Oberlie, pending approval from the council and park board.
If the decision is made to pursue to endeavor, Oberlie would suggest the city solicit a request for qualifications for a design-build approach to renovating the building.
“Rather than hiring an engineer, it would make more sense to receive qualifications from contractors who have internal design departments,” he said.
By Tim Moran
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, August 11, 2011 5:06 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — The city is exploring the idea of transforming the former Michigan City Family YMCA, 1001 E. Coolspring Ave., into a community center.
The property has belonged to Centier Bank since 2007 when the YMCA could no longer financially sustain operations. The bank now has offered to donate the building to the city.
Mayor Chuck Oberlie released a letter, along with background documents regarding the possible community center, to City Council members last week. The package included a report from the city engineer and various inspectors on the building’s condition and a proposed operating budget and programming plans if the purchase is approved.
The documents indicate an estimated startup cost of $228,090, with a yearly operating budget set at $508,065, which would include more than $300,000 in expenses to cover the pay for 20 employees.
“If you could fix the building for a couple million, it could become an asset,” Oberlie said.
To offset some of the operating costs, membership dues would charge adult Michigan City residents $360 a year and non-residents up to $480 a year.
But before any operating plan can be put in place, the building has to be repaired after being vacant for the last three to four years.
In a letter sent from Tonn & Blank Construction LLC to Jeffrey Katz, Michigan City Park board attorney, the total budget for repair work was estimated at $1.06 million.
“To construct a new building similar to the existing YMCA would cost a minimum of $7 to $8 million, plus the cost of purchasing a site to accommodate a building of this size,” wrote Joe Coar, Tonn & Blank vice president of operations.
“You could spend up to $2 million and still justify the tremendous savings to our community.”
An inspection of the building performed in March indicated lack of maintenance requiring significant repairs. City engineer Boyd Phelps and numerous inspectors said the entire built-up roof system requires removal and replacement, 12 of the 14 rooftop units need to be replaced and “all pool electrical equipment that remains must be replaced due to terminal damage by liquid and chlorine vapor corrosion.”
If repairs are made and the building is put back in use, the Michigan City Park Department will offer programming, which would include swim lessons, after-school programming and youth sports camps, among other activities.
In Oberlie’s letter to council members, he said it is not his intent to include any of the items on the 2012 budget, but is submitting the information “so an informed decision can be made on the offer amongst the Park Board, administration and City Council.”
Oberlie said Wednesday the next step is for Council President Marc Espar to form a committee, which would include a member from the city council and park department.
An appropriation out of the Riverboat fund then would be initiated by Oberlie, pending approval from the council and park board.
If the decision is made to pursue to endeavor, Oberlie would suggest the city solicit a request for qualifications for a design-build approach to renovating the building.
“Rather than hiring an engineer, it would make more sense to receive qualifications from contractors who have internal design departments,” he said.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 24 2011, 08:16 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/10/24/news/local/doc4ea31af6e60b4575029447.txt
QUOTE
Public hearing on YMCA set
Published: Saturday, October 22, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — A public hearing set by the Recreational Expansion Committee on potential uses of the former Michigan City Family YMCA building is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at City Hall.
Public comments will be accepted, while written comments may be sent to committee chairman Phil Jankowski, c/o the City Clerk’s office, 100 E. Michigan Blvd.
The former YMCA on Coolspring Avenue has belonged to Centier Bank since 2007, but it has offered to donate the building to the city as a gift.
Preliminary studies have been completed on the potential yearly operating costs associated with transforming the building into a community center.
*
Anyone unable to attend who would like more information should contact the City Clerk’s office at galen@emichigancity.com or call 873-1410.
Published: Saturday, October 22, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — A public hearing set by the Recreational Expansion Committee on potential uses of the former Michigan City Family YMCA building is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at City Hall.
Public comments will be accepted, while written comments may be sent to committee chairman Phil Jankowski, c/o the City Clerk’s office, 100 E. Michigan Blvd.
The former YMCA on Coolspring Avenue has belonged to Centier Bank since 2007, but it has offered to donate the building to the city as a gift.
Preliminary studies have been completed on the potential yearly operating costs associated with transforming the building into a community center.
*
Anyone unable to attend who would like more information should contact the City Clerk’s office at galen@emichigancity.com or call 873-1410.
Posted by: taxthedeer Jul 19 2012, 06:12 PM
YMCA building and property is going on the auction block at 4PM Saturday July 28th. It can be all yours for an opening bid is $10,000 plus $3,000 buyers premium fee.
http://www.williamsauction.com/mobile/property.aspx?id=332100
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jul 19 2012, 06:28 PM
QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Jul 19 2012, 07:12 PM)
YMCA building and property is going on the auction block at 4PM Saturday July 28th. It can be all yours for an opening bid is $10,000 plus $3,000 buyers premium fee.
http://www.williamsauction.com/mobile/property.aspx?id=332100
The place might not be worth that anymore.
Posted by: taxthedeer Jul 19 2012, 06:31 PM
QUOTE(Southsider2k12 @ Jul 19 2012, 07:28 PM)
The place might not be worth that anymore.
The property might be worth it. The building needs to be demolished.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jul 19 2012, 06:43 PM
QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Jul 19 2012, 07:31 PM)
The property might be worth it. The building needs to be demolished.
Yeah, but you have to subtract whatever demolision and excavation costs are from whatever you pay.
Posted by: taxthedeer Jul 19 2012, 06:57 PM
QUOTE(Southsider2k12 @ Jul 19 2012, 07:43 PM)
Yeah, but you have to subtract whatever demolision and excavation costs are from whatever you pay.
Posted by: taxthedeer Jul 20 2012, 06:10 AM
You need to sign a release if you want to view the property on Sunday. Here's what is states on the auction website:
QUOTE
Mold Disclosure. The Seller has been notified that this Property has damage due to moisture from water and/or humidity. Buyer acknowledges and understands that property herein may pose a health hazard through exposure to mold or airborne contaminants. Buyer agrees to accept the Property as-is, where-is with no warranties of remediation. Buyer agrees to comply with any and all remediation efforts, certifications, inspections, and debris removal that may be required therein at Buyer's expense.
Posted by: taxthedeer Jul 26 2012, 04:33 PM
According to the advertisement on the auction companies website that a buyers premium of up to $3,000 will be charged to the successful bidder.
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2012/07/26/news/local/doc5010a4c3743e6261863077.txt
QUOTE
Former YMCA to be auctioned after city backs away
By Lois Tomaszewski
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, July 26, 2012 5:07 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — The former YMCA building at 1001 E. Coolspring Ave. is up for auction at 4 p.m. Saturday, eight months after city officials looked at the possibility of rehabing the building into a community center.
The 45,000 square foot brick and concrete block building is owned by Centier Bank and is being auctioned after attempts to sell the building were unsuccessful. In November, Michigan City Council president Marc Espar appointed the Recreation Expansion Committee to look into the possibility of the city taking ownership and creating a community center.
“It’s my understanding that the building was offered to the city as a donation,” Espar said. Members of the Select Committee looking into the possibilities appointed by Espar took no action.
Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board attorney Jeffrey Katz said resolutions were approved by the Park Board in February and April 2011 acknowledging the donation and turning over the decision to the Common Council. Katz said it was then up to the council to accept the donation and commit to authorize funding of the cost of ownership and operation of the property.
Councilwoman Pat Boy served on the council’s committee, along with Richard Murphy and former councilman Phil Jankowski who served as chairman.
“The committee’s decision was to make no recommendation,” Boy said, “not a recommendation of no.”
At a workshop held in at city hall in November on the building, public comments showed support for preserving the pool. Support was also shown for using a portion of the building for offices and a suggestion to make a portion of the building into an indoor skate park, according to the report in the News-Dispatch.
“From all reports on the building, it needed extensive repairs and remodeling, and then we would need to come up with funds to pay for its use in the future,” Boy said. “Although the building had possibilities, the cost looked to be much too high for repairs and maintenance as well as for added programming. Ideas to make it a community center sounded good, but that would also require funds to operate, and the very people we needed to serve would not be able to afford it if we charged a user fee or membership. There were too many ‘ifs’ involved,” she said.
The auction will be held onsite. The nominal opening bid is $10,000. Williams and Williams is in charge of the auction. For more information, call (918) 362-6561.
By Lois Tomaszewski
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, July 26, 2012 5:07 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — The former YMCA building at 1001 E. Coolspring Ave. is up for auction at 4 p.m. Saturday, eight months after city officials looked at the possibility of rehabing the building into a community center.
The 45,000 square foot brick and concrete block building is owned by Centier Bank and is being auctioned after attempts to sell the building were unsuccessful. In November, Michigan City Council president Marc Espar appointed the Recreation Expansion Committee to look into the possibility of the city taking ownership and creating a community center.
“It’s my understanding that the building was offered to the city as a donation,” Espar said. Members of the Select Committee looking into the possibilities appointed by Espar took no action.
Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board attorney Jeffrey Katz said resolutions were approved by the Park Board in February and April 2011 acknowledging the donation and turning over the decision to the Common Council. Katz said it was then up to the council to accept the donation and commit to authorize funding of the cost of ownership and operation of the property.
Councilwoman Pat Boy served on the council’s committee, along with Richard Murphy and former councilman Phil Jankowski who served as chairman.
“The committee’s decision was to make no recommendation,” Boy said, “not a recommendation of no.”
At a workshop held in at city hall in November on the building, public comments showed support for preserving the pool. Support was also shown for using a portion of the building for offices and a suggestion to make a portion of the building into an indoor skate park, according to the report in the News-Dispatch.
“From all reports on the building, it needed extensive repairs and remodeling, and then we would need to come up with funds to pay for its use in the future,” Boy said. “Although the building had possibilities, the cost looked to be much too high for repairs and maintenance as well as for added programming. Ideas to make it a community center sounded good, but that would also require funds to operate, and the very people we needed to serve would not be able to afford it if we charged a user fee or membership. There were too many ‘ifs’ involved,” she said.
The auction will be held onsite. The nominal opening bid is $10,000. Williams and Williams is in charge of the auction. For more information, call (918) 362-6561.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jul 27 2012, 07:46 AM
If the City wasn't willing to take it for free, it has to be in horrible shape. With all of the mold and problems, even a tear down and restart won't be cheap.
Posted by: taxthedeer Jul 27 2012, 11:12 PM
QUOTE(Southsider2k12 @ Jul 27 2012, 08:46 AM)
If the City wasn't willing to take it for free, it has to be in horrible shape. With all of the mold and problems, even a tear down and restart won't be cheap.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jul 28 2012, 08:41 AM
QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Jul 28 2012, 12:12 AM)
I guess it depends on what is inside that can salvaged when torn down. Scrap metal is paying over $300.00 a ton in some places. Once the building is razed there is nearly 5 acres of land in the center of town with all the city amenities. If there is a profit to be made, somebody is going to jump on it.
But to balance that out, there is also going to tons of mold, not to mention possibly asbestos.
Posted by: taxthedeer Jul 28 2012, 04:32 PM
QUOTE(Southsider2k12 @ Jul 28 2012, 09:41 AM)
But to balance that out, there is also going to tons of mold, not to mention possibly asbestos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRaNwPGcQcM&feature=fvwrel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmZJc68zyAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r4nXRmkIJU
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jul 28 2012, 05:07 PM
QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Jul 28 2012, 05:32 PM)
Developers in other Cities won't hesitate in taking down an old worn out outdated sturcture and building something bigger and better in it's place. Las Vegas is a prime example.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRaNwPGcQcM&feature=fvwrel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmZJc68zyAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r4nXRmkIJU
In Las Vegas real estate has value. In south central Michigan City, not so much.
Posted by: j4katz Jul 28 2012, 08:49 PM
As I own approximately 12 acres surrounding the old YMCA, I have a fairly good understanding of the value of the property. The cost to demolish the structure and dispose of the debris is approximately $150,000 (I do not know salvage value of the scrap). As vacant real estate, (currently zoned single family residence) it is worth at most approximately $50,000 ($10,000 per acre).
I have inspected the building and it is structurally sound. Mold remediation will be necessary. It needs a new roof, HVAC, plumbing and electrical upgrades as well as renovations to bring the building into compliance with ADA. The pool does not appear to have any cracks but the filtration system needs to be replaced. In my opinion, the renovation cost is approximately One Million - One and 1/2 Million Dollars. The cost to build it new would be close to 10 Million Dollars.
Posted by: taxthedeer Jul 28 2012, 10:14 PM
QUOTE(j4katz @ Jul 28 2012, 09:49 PM)
As I own approximately 12 acres surrounding the old YMCA, I have a fairly good understanding of the value of the property. The cost to demolish the structure and dispose of the debris is approximately $150,000 (I do not know salvage value of the scrap). As vacant real estate, (currently zoned single family residence) it is worth at most approximately $50,000 ($10,000 per acre).
I have inspected the building and it is structurally sound. Mold remediation will be necessary. It needs a new roof, HVAC, plumbing and electrical upgrades as well as renovations to bring the building into compliance with ADA. The pool does not appear to have any cracks but the filtration system needs to be replaced. In my opinion, the renovation cost is approximately One Million - One and 1/2 Million Dollars. The cost to build it new would be close to 10 Million Dollars.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jul 28 2012, 10:30 PM
QUOTE(j4katz @ Jul 28 2012, 09:49 PM)
As I own approximately 12 acres surrounding the old YMCA, I have a fairly good understanding of the value of the property. The cost to demolish the structure and dispose of the debris is approximately $150,000 (I do not know salvage value of the scrap). As vacant real estate, (currently zoned single family residence) it is worth at most approximately $50,000 ($10,000 per acre).
I have inspected the building and it is structurally sound. Mold remediation will be necessary. It needs a new roof, HVAC, plumbing and electrical upgrades as well as renovations to bring the building into compliance with ADA. The pool does not appear to have any cracks but the filtration system needs to be replaced. In my opinion, the renovation cost is approximately One Million - One and 1/2 Million Dollars. The cost to build it new would be close to 10 Million Dollars.
We estimated a million dollars in repairs in 2007.
Posted by: j4katz Jul 28 2012, 10:32 PM
QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Jul 28 2012, 11:14 PM)
Did the property sell?
I did not attend the auction, but I doubt that it sold for much more than the minimum bid. Unless you intend to use the building, the cost to remove far exceeds the value of the property.
Posted by: j4katz Jul 28 2012, 10:38 PM
QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Jul 28 2012, 11:14 PM)
Did the property sell?
I did not attend the auction, but I doubt that it sold for much more than the minimum bid. Unless you intend to use the building, the cost to remove far exceeds the value of the property.
Posted by: taxthedeer Jul 30 2012, 08:56 PM
Property sold for reportedly $12,000 plus the $3000 buyers premium. Buyer bought it as an investment property for the land. So now the former YMCA building and property is in private ownership. Apparently vandals had broke in and stole all the copper wiring and tubing.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Aug 1 2012, 02:55 PM
QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Jul 30 2012, 09:56 PM)
Property sold for reportedly $12,000 plus the $3000 buyers premium. Buyer bought it as an investment property for the land. So now the former YMCA building and property is in private ownership. Apparently vandals had broke in and stole all the copper wiring and tubing.
From what I understand the place was just trashed after it closed down.
Posted by: Ang Aug 1 2012, 03:32 PM
I thought that vandalism happened a while ago....
Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 1 2012, 07:32 PM
They said the man that bought the property was at the auction with his son and was prepared to pay up to $50,000 for the property which is the value of the land and he said that he bought it as an investment for his son. When the auction was over they drove away and their car had Indiana license plates.
Best I can figure is the man must be in the building demolition/salvage/construction/real estate business.
Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 12 2012, 06:07 AM
Found this article from 1976. Shows a photo of what was then considered the "New" YMCA on E. Coolspring Ave. and the Original YMCA at Seventh and Washington St. Also a plane landing in 1948 at the former Municipal Airport on 421 where Meijer, Lowe's and Menard's are now located.
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