YWCA Uptown Update

After co-signing a letter of concern with all the neighborhoods nearest the closing YWCA Uptown, East Isles leadership met with Ward 7 Council Member Lisa Goodman and YWCA leadership. We recently received this letter regarding the closure:

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and City Councilwoman Lisa Goodman. This is a difficult week for YWCA Minneapolis as we prepare to close our Uptown and Downtown facilities and consolidate our health and fitness operations to Midtown. 

Just as you are disappointed to lose the Uptown YWCA, we are sad to say goodbye to buildings that have anchored our organization for a combined 80+ years. Both the Downtown and Uptown sites have been more than just buildings; they have been vital community fixtures in Minneapolis as a whole. 

Please know that we recognize your concern related to the closure of Uptown YWCA and having a vacant building nearby, and are taking the following steps to ensure the security of the building, including: 

  • Placing fencing around the building perimeter; 

  • Reinforcing the entrance and exit; 

  • Continuing to have our maintenance staff come once per day; and 

  • Keeping our alarm system and video surveillance up and running. 

Additionally, we will be in the building to give tours to prospective buyers. Our team will also continue to be onsite regularly to monitor the facility. Please feel to reach out to our Facilities Director, Raymond Swanson, at rswanson@ywcampls.org or me should you become aware of any issues. 

While we have had strong interest in the building to date, we do not have an update to share on any potential sale. However, we remain committed to full transparency and providing regular updates as they occur. 

Moving forward, our goal is to create a sustainable dialogue with the community about next steps. We invite you to inform other organizations and individuals if they are interested. 

Finally, we hope you will join us at Midtown YWCA. Though this location may not as convenient for you as Uptown YWCA, you will find a strong, welcoming, and diverse community; engaging fitness classes and instructors; great pool facilities; pickleball; and more. Our Open House is this Sunday, November 5, from 2–5 pm, and we hope to see you then. Please see the attached flyer. 

Thank you for caring so deeply about YWCA Minneapolis. We will continue to share updates as we move forward. 

All the best, 

Shelley Carthen Watson 
President and Chief Executive Officer 


YWCA Midtown Open House

Sunday, Nov. 5, 2–5 PM
YWCA Midtown: 2121 E Lake St

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