March 29, 2024

Demolition of old Riverfront YMCA to begin

DES MOINES — Crews are preparing the old Riverfront YMCA building for demolition.

Asbestos removal crews plan to take out more than 40,000-square-feet of asbestos-laden ceiling tile and flooring before the 60-year-old structure is demolished. The building has been vacant since the Y moved to its new location on Grand Avenue.

Demo crews will then remove the entire building, including the pool and foundation to prepare the site for a new development.

Historic preservationists say it is too costly to save all the brick murals on the old building. However, they hope to cut out and save one of interlocking hands that replicates different races, dating from the late 50s.