The First and Waco property was the focus of recent discussions involving officials of the City of Wichita and the YMCA, which was considering building a new downtown branch and office facility on the riverfront property located just north of the Broadview Hotel.

Thursday morning, YMCA officials met with City officials to say their Board of Directors decided to end negotiations and rebuild at their existing downtown location, 402 N. Market.

“We’re pleased that the YMCA is committed to downtown and the core area of our city,” Mayor Carl Brewer said. “The YMCA is one of our premier non-profit organizations, which provides many services to our residents and enhances our community’s quality of life. Its role in the further revitalization of downtown is essential.”

“The YMCA board is thankful that the City gave us a chance to look at the First and Waco option,” said Thomas Lasater, Greater Wichita YMCA President of the Metropolitan Board of Directors. “Through due diligence, we determined that rebuilding on our current site is our best option to serve downtown and the surrounding neighborhood.”

Regarding the future of First and Waco, City Manager Robert Layton said the city will explore making the property available for core area redevelopment related to a recently announced Downtown Master Plan.

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