BEMIDJI — The Bemidji office of Kraus-Anderson has been selected to build a new YMCA located in the Rail Corridor on the 100 block of Minnesota Avenue in downtown Bemidji.
The project is an initiative of Greater Bemidji’s
“Building Our Future,”
which aims to drive development and promote prosperity in the region, a release said.
In 2024 a
partnership was formed with the YMCA of Northern Sky
based in Fargo, which will bring community-specific programming to Bemidji’s Rail Corridor, all while owning and operating the facility.
“The Y is dedicated to enhancing the spirit, mind and body of all persons through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” the release said. “Building the Y in the heart of Bemidji is expected to provide an economic boost to the area, transform the landscape and revitalize the downtown. The health and fitness center will also serve as a catalyst for adjacent future projects, including mixed-use development for new housing, restaurants and shops.”
Designed by JLG Architects, the new 60,000-square-foot facility will include an indoor track, aquatics center indoor playground, party rooms and a fitness center with a weight room, exercise studios and education classrooms. The building will also include a drop-in childcare center for use while parents and guardians are using the Y.
“This is the kind of project that checks every box for us — community impact, strong local partnerships, and a team that’s passionate about getting it right,” Pat Weerts, director of operations at Kraus-Anderson, said in the release. “We’re proud to be part of something that will serve families, youth and businesses across the region for decades to come. It’s an honor to help bring this vision to life.”
Funding for the new $35 million YMCA includes raising $25 million through community donations and $10 million in YMCA financing.
Clean up, site prep and infrastructure work will begin this summer. Groundbreaking is planned for the spring of 2026 and construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027.
link