The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee announced on Tuesday that it will close the South Shore YMCA, located in Cudahy at 3244 E. College Ave. effective Jan. 31.
All programming and center hours will continue as normally scheduled until that time.
As announced in June 2014, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee has been implementing a restructuring plan designed to address its operating challenges, repay as much debt as possible and reposition the Milwaukee Y for the future. That plan called for the organization to establish a Milwaukee Y comprised of centers within (or very close to) the City of Milwaukee and sell off the majority of its owned real estate assets, including the South Shore Y, in order to pay down debt.
Since that time, the Milwaukee Y’s leadership sought a new operator for the South Shore Y, but no buyers have come forward with an offer.
When the center is closed, it is anticipated that the building and related assets will be placed into a bank trust administered by BMO Harris Bank (or its designee), as agreed to in the Milwaukee Y’s plan of reorganization, which is to be considered by the court on Jan. 30.
“This was a very difficult decision, and one we didn’t come to without exploring all other options,” said Julie Tolan, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. “We are sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on our many loyal South Shore members and employees, and we pledge to work tirelessly over the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition for all involved.”
Current South Shore Y members have the option to transition to a different Milwaukee Y center by Jan. 31. Employees who cannot be retained at other centers will be offered severance.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee stunned the community by announcing in April that it was nearly $30 million in debt and needed a plan to restructure. For additional background on the YMCA’s bankruptcy filing, click here.
