Crews Begin Demolishing Kroehler YMCA Building; Bricks For Sale

NAPERVILLE, IL —Naperville residents can own a piece of the city's history now that demolition has begun on the Kroehler Family YMCA building. Demolition started Friday, but residents will be able to purchase a commemorative brick and other efforts are underway to preserve the building's rich history.

Located at 34 S. Washington St., the Kroehler Family YMCA closed for good in May 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic. the building, built in 1910, would also have needed costly repairs to stay open, YMCA officials said at the time of the closure.

The property has since been sold to an undisclosed buyer, who plans to preserve the building's cornerstone and its "YMCA" engraving, a news release said Friday. It's estimated that demolition will be completed in about 30 days.

Naperville YMCA officials are hoping to host an event in 2023 sharing stories and photos to commemorate the Kroehler Family YMCA. In the meantime, residents can get their hands on one of 300 bricks that have been preserved from the historic site.

Each brick will cost $112 and will be adorned with a plaque that reads, "Kroehler YMCA 1910-2022." The proceeds will help fund local YMCA scholarships and programming. To purchase a brick from the Kroehler Family YMCA, call Fry Family YMCA at 630-904-9595