The YMCA of Greater Charlotte announced a series of real estate and facility decisions designed to advance priorities outlined in its 2025-2028 strategic plan through facility modernization, expanded program capacity and long-term investments in staff and resources to better serve the evolving needs of members and the Charlotte community.
As part of this broader reinvestment strategy, the YMCA’s board of directors approved entering into a $42.5 million purchase and sale agreement for the Morrison YMCA property after carefully evaluating a strategic opportunity that accelerates priorities identified through the organization’s strategic plan.
The buyer, Moments of Hope Church, plans to redevelop the property into its new church home, expanding its ministry through community outreach initiatives such as sports programming, a possible future school, and other opportunities that could serve local families and youth.
The Morrison YMCA will remain open and fully operational through the anticipated closing in summer 2027. All programs, services, camps and member offerings will continue as scheduled during this time. Community partners that lease space within the facility will have the opportunity to continue to operate as usual through the anticipated closing date.
The YMCA remains deeply committed to serving families in Ballantyne and across South Charlotte. Members at the Y’s Morrison center will continue to have access to all YMCA locations, including those near the Morrison such as Sara’s YMCA – located in the heart of Ballantyne – as well as Brace YMCA, Hemby Program Center and Harris YMCA.
As planning continues, the YMCA will offer many of the programs currently available at Morrison through nearby YMCA centers or other alternative neighborhood locations, helping ensure families maintain access to the programs, services and community connections they value. Additional details about how and where those programs and services will be delivered will be shared in the coming months, and leaders from the Morrison YMCA and the Morrison Advisory Board will play an important role in reimagining how the Y can best serve that area.
In addition, a portion of the sale proceeds will be reinvested in a broader South Charlotte strategy that includes expanding program capacity, enhancing nearby YMCA facilities and developing additional community-based programming opportunities for local members and families.
“We know the Morrison YMCA has been a meaningful place for many members, families and staff,” said Sue Glass, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, in a press release. “We’re approaching this transition with care and respect for the relationships built there. While this decision represents a significant change, it also creates an opportunity to strengthen how we serve communities across our region in the years ahead.”
Advancing Reinvestment and Accelerating Impact
The Morrison opportunity is accelerating several priorities identified through the YMCA’s strategic plan, including significant projects at the Johnston YMCA, Stratford Richardson YMCA, Harris YMCA and Hemby Program Center, with additional investments planned across its network of centers.
At the Johnston YMCA campus, the YMCA is pursuing a redevelopment approach that preserves its longstanding presence in the neighborhood while creating new opportunities to modernize and strengthen the center. The Y will continue to own and operate the main facility, and a recently secured $5 million federal appropriation will help support future improvements and further strengthen the campus as a vibrant gathering space for families and residents.
“Strong stewardship requires bold decisions and long-term thinking,” said Jeff Brown, chair of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte board of directors and partner at Moore & Van Allen. “Our board is committed to investing in the people, programs and facilities that make the YMCA such an integral part of our community. As we build on more than 150 years of service to the Charlotte region, we’re honoring the Y’s legacy while positioning it to meet the needs of future generations.”
As part of this long-term reinvestment strategy, the YMCA is in the early stages of a comprehensive campaign designed to support the next chapter of its mission and impact across Greater Charlotte. The Morrison opportunity is an instrumental step toward that vision.
“Our mission depends on organizational strength,” said Glass. “To scale our impact, we need strong centers, teams and financial stewardship. This work is about building a YMCA that’s ready for the next generation of Charlotte — one that’s deeply connected to community need and positioned to deliver long-term impact for families across our region.”
