The YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for U.S. YMCAs. Together, the nation's more than 2,500 YMCAs are the largest not-for-profit community service organizations in America, working to meet the health and social service needs of 18.9 million men, women and children in 10,000 communities in the United States.

Y-USA began considering options to move its headquarters of 25 years at 101 N. Wacker Drive when its lease was due to expire.  Ten other cities were considered as alternative sites for its headquarters.  Y-USA decided to keep its headquarters in Chicago, purchasing two adjoining parcels totaling 55,000 square feet at the southeast corner of Harrison and State streets.  The organization hopes to complete the structure by 2010. 

The South Loop site was chosen partly because of its proximity to Jones College Prep, several higher-education institutions, the University Center dorm and hotels.  Y-USA chose to stay in Chicago due to the organization’s familiarity with the city and the advantages of its central location.  They also sited the ability to tap further into Chicago’s diverse local workforce. 

Chicago speaks over 100 languages and communicates through more than 130 foreign-language media.  The city has 26 different ethnic groups with a population greater than 25,000.  The city’s 9 -1-1 Center answers emergency calls in 27 languages.  In addition to being ethnically diverse, the city’s workforce is also diverse.  Chicago’s labor pools rank in the top 5 largest for all but one of the 22 major occupational groups tracked by the U.S. government.

Chicago’s diversity “is very much like the face of the YMCAs and the communities that we serve,” said Kenneth Gladish, president and chief executive of Y-USA.

WBC was involved in site assistance and financial negotiations for this project.  The City of Chicago planning department offered Y-USA $9.5 million in assistance pending City Council approval.  The city may offer another $4 million if a community center is built on the site.

Y-USA projects its staff could grow from 206 to 260 after a move to the South Loop.  They city will also benefit by having an organization that focuses on the well-being of children and families headquartered here.