YMCA youth, sports programs to continue while temporary facility is developed

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WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - The Wilmington Family YMCA's leadership said in a press release Friday that their facility will remain temporarily closed. They've been working closely with their insurance team, the City of Wilmington Inspection Department, and other officials assessing the damage done by the massive blaze that broke out last Saturday.

From their inspection, officials said there was considerable damage to the core area of the Y, however they are working to restore certain areas as soon as possible.

In the meantime, YMCA youth and sports programs are continuing with the help of the Wilmington Athletic Club, the YWCA of Lower Cape Fear, Temple Baptist Activity Center, Country Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn, NHRMC on Oleander and St. James Parish.

The YMCA did open its doors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday for women to gather their belongings from the locker room.

Officials say the YMCA will pay for all damages to belongings, but so far none have been reported. Jones hopes to have the men gather their belongings by the middle of next week.

The Y's leadership are also planning to develop a temporary facility that will serve as a wellness center for members to use while the 2710 Market Street location is being restored.

“We are actively looking for a site to serve as an Express Y so that we can continue providing our members with a wellness center and a space to hold group exercise classes for the time being,” said Dick Jones, President and CEO of the Wilmington Family YMCA in a press release Friday. “While we establish this Express Y, we have arranged partnerships with O2 Fitness, the YWCA of Lower Cape Fear, the Wilmington Athletic Club and Second Wind Fitness so that our members can continue to use their Y memberships at these partner health and wellness centers. We are grateful that these organizations have agreed to work along side us to serve our members' needs while we work to open an Express Y in the next few months,” explained Jones.

Jones said he hopes to have the Express Y up and running in three to four months.

Crews with the Wilmington Fire Department, EMS and Wilmington Police Department spent the early morning hours of Sunday fighting a fire at the building at 2710 Market Street. New Hanover County dispatchers say the initial call about the fire came in at 11:28 p.m. Saturday.

According to WFD Battalion Chief Chris Nelson, the fire started in the second floor men's sauna room and has been ruled accidental.

WFD Battalion Chief Tim Smith said the building is not a total loss, but the second floor is destroyed. He said the structure sustained heavy fire and smoke damage.

Smith explained that this was one of the most difficult fires Wilmington crews have had to fight in a while. He said this was because of the complex structure of the building.

Smith says the building could have sustained up to $1 million in damages.

No injuries were reported.

Jones said he was shocked by the news, but he is working close with the board to determine the future of the YMCA.

"My first reaction was disbelief because no one ever wants to think of a fire damaging a home or their business," said Jones. "The YMCA is home for so many people in this community, and we are going to look forward to a plan on how to renovate or rebuild this facility."

Community members were also in disbelief, but are rallying around their local YMCA.

"I hope that they get it up and running again soon," said new YMCA member, Mary Ellen Kenton. "If there is anything we can do as a community I'd love to participate and help out. Lets get it back, lets get it going again."

WECT.