Lattof YMCA, Des Plaines

A Recreation Campus Since 1961

The Lattof YMCA opened in 1961 on 4.27 acres along Northwest Highway. A series of connected buildings supported swimming, exercise, youth programs, sports leagues, and gathering space for Des Plaines residents across age groups.

That long community use explains why local officials describe the facility as iconic. Its significance lies less in a single architectural gesture than in the routines, memberships, teams, and intergenerational memories attached to the campus.

Closure And Limited Access

The YMCA closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequent private ownership brought limited use, but the property ceased to function as the broadly accessible recreation hub residents had known and its physical condition declined.

The gap between an intact facility and an inactive community resource is central to the site. Pools, gyms, and specialized recreation spaces are expensive to maintain, yet their removal is difficult to reverse once a campus is demolished or subdivided.

A City-Backed Return To Use

In May 2026 the Des Plaines City Council unanimously approved purchasing the property from the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago for $1.85 million, below a third-party appraisal of $2.2 million. The redevelopment framework calls for partnership with the Nicholas Family of Companies and related operators.

The city's announced support includes a proposed 20-year loan at 2.5 percent. The next questions are the final agreement, rehabilitation scope, operator commitments, construction schedule, and how much everyday public access the new regional sports and hospitality program will provide.