Will Video Save Y-Building From Demolition?

The transformative power of art is being put to the test as a St. Petersburg filmmaker tries to rekindle the past at the old YMCA building in an effort to restore the 87-year-old building for future generations.

Andrew Odell is interviewing St. Petersburg residents about activities and events at the YMCA, according to Bay News 9. Many of those locals spent a large part of their youth swimming and playing sports at the YMCA, which was built in 1926.

Odell told Bay News 9:
"Buildings are really the heart and life of a city," Odell said. "And when you bring the people, they are the blood. They are what flows. And if you take away the year, there’s nothing from the blood. So the way we're looking at it is if we can bring this building back to what it was, it would be great to get 4,000 people a week in here again."

The documentary is part of a few different efforts to save and restore the Historic YMCA Inc. Other efforts include fundraisers and tours.

The 1920s building is from the same era of other beloved "pink" Mediterranean style developments here, such as the Vinoy hotel, saved at the 12th hour from demolition and now a centerpiece for the city's downtown.

Last year a bank had proposed tearing down the Y-building and developing a drive-thru facility, but community complaints stopped the plans.

For More Information

Go to the Historic YMCA's website,

http://www.historicymca.com/
Address:

HISTORIC YMCA INC.
2706 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33712

EMAIL CONTACTS
Info@HistoricYMCA.com

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