Y.M.C.A.

Dates:

YMCA Building, 1906-1907, demolished June-August, 1972
Location:

Northeast corner Seventh and Columbia Streets, Lafayette, Indiana

Architects: J. F. Alexander & Son, of Lafayette, Indiana
Contractor:

H. C. Sense

The Lafayette Young Men's Christian Association Building was built during 1906-1907. It contained a gymnasium, swimming pool, club rooms (for the Hi-Y Club and others), and hotel-like rooms for single young men. The building survived until the Y.M.C.A.'s new home was built in the late-1960s off South 18th Street. After being vacated the building was demolished for a parking lot. Across the street stood the Columbia Flats, built 1896-1898, a four-story building of similar massing. The demolition of the Y.M.C.A. and the Columbia Flats in the 1970s left this block open and barren, much unlike its historic dense urban context.

Y.M.C.A., 1908. Y.M.C.A., c.1912
Y.M.C.A., c.1915. Y.M.C.A., Sept. 16, 1970. (Image courtesy of the Herman Berry Collection)
June 10, 1972. View from the northwest. (Image courtesy of the Herman Berry Collection) June 10, 1972. View from the southwest. (Image courtesy of the Herman Berry Collection)
June 10, 1972. (Image courtesy of the Herman Berry Collection) June 10, 1972. Detail of main entrance on Seventh Street. (Image courtesy of the Herman Berry Collection)
June 10, 1972. View from the south, with Central Presbyterian Church at right. (Image courtesy of the Herman Berry Collection) June 10, 1972. View from the east. (Image courtesy of the Herman Berry Collection)
June 10, 1972. Main entrance on Seventh Street. (Image courtesy of the Herman Berry Collection) June 10, 1972. Beginning of demolition on the east facade. (Image courtesy of the Herman Berry Collection)
July 31, 1972. View from the southeast. (Image courtesy of the Herman Berry Collection) July 31, 1972. Detail showing main staircase (left) and gymnasium with elevated running track (right). (Image courtesy of the Herman Berry Collection)
July 31, 1972. View from the southwest. (Image courtesy of the Herman Berry Collection) July 31, 1972. Detail showing "For Sale" sign. (Image courtesy of the Herman Berry Collection)