YMCA of Southeastern NC Breaks Ground on $15 Million Midtown YMCA Expansion

The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina officially broke ground today on the highly anticipated $15 million expansion of the Midtown YMCA, marking the beginning of a transformational investment in the health and well-being of southern New Hanover County and the surrounding region. More than 100 community leaders, elected officials, donors, YMCA volunteers, members, and partners gathered to celebrate the milestone and recognize the collaborative effort that made the project possible.

Located at 709 George Anderson Drive, the project will transform the current Midtown YMCA into a 48,000-square-foot, full-service community wellness center designed to meet the region's growing demand for health, wellness, youth development, and community programming. Site work will begin in early August 2026, with construction expected to be completed in approximately 15 months.

The expanded Midtown YMCA will include:

• 8-lane, 25-yard indoor pool
• State-of-the-art wellness center
• Expanded child care and youth development classrooms
• Dedicated group exercise studios
• Community meeting and gathering spaces
• Senior wellness areas
• Three locker rooms
• Expanded parking
• Covered outdoor "Airnasium" featuring a full-size basketball court, three pickleball courts, futsal goals, and multi-purpose recreation space

The expansion comes in response to sustained growth across southeastern North Carolina and increasing demand for child care, aquatics, wellness, and community health programs. Once completed, the expanded Midtown YMCA is expected to serve more than 6,000 additional members annually, double the site's child care capacity, significantly expand youth and family programming, increase access to swim lessons and water safety education, and provide new opportunities for healthy living, senior engagement, and community connection.

"Today represents far more than the start of construction—it represents our community's shared commitment to ensuring every child, family, and individual has access to the programs, services, and support they need to thrive," said Dick Jones, President and CEO of the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina. "This project is only possible because of the incredible generosity of donors, community partners, elected officials, and advocates who believe in the YMCA's mission and the lasting impact this investment will have on future generations.”

The ceremony featured remarks from YMCA leadership, philanthropic and government partners, elected officials, and members of the project team before attendees participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking.

The expansion is being designed by LS3P and constructed by Thomas Construction Group.

"Thomas Construction Group values our continued our partnership with the YMCA on this project that will have a lasting impact on families throughout southeastern North Carolina. We look forward to delivering a facility that will serve this community for generations to come,” shares Jill Sullivan from Thomas Construction Group.

Although construction is beginning, fundraising will continue throughout the project to ensure every planned amenity and community space can be fully realized. To date, the YMCA has raised more than $11.5 million toward the $15 million project through an unprecedented collaboration of philanthropic, corporate, and government partners. Transformational investments from The Endowment, Bruce B. Cameron Family Foundation, and New Hanover County provided the foundation for the campaign, while $1.5 million in federal Community Project Funding, championed by U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, and a $500,000 appropriation in the 2026-27 North Carolina State Budget, led by Representative Ted Davis Jr., further advanced the project. Together, these investments have created the momentum necessary to begin construction while inspiring continued community support.

"While today's groundbreaking is a tremendous milestone, our work is not finished," Jones said. "We still have approximately $3.5 million remaining to fully fund this transformational project. Every gift brings us one step closer to creating a healthier, stronger, and more connected community. We invite individuals, families, and businesses to become part of this lasting legacy."

Community members can become part of this transformational project through gifts of $1,000 or more, which receive permanent donor recognition. Multi-year pledge commitments are available over five years.

The Midtown YMCA will remain open and operational throughout construction, with only limited interruptions to programs and services as work progresses. Regular construction updates, facility information, and project milestones will be shared through the YMCA's dedicated construction webpage and social media channels.

Visit ymcasenc.org/midtown to learn more about the project, follow construction progress, or make a contribution.