Former Downtown YMCA building could be demolished

The Birmingham Design Review Committee (DRC) will consider a proposal at their Wednesday, May 27th meeting to demolish the former downtown YMCA building and replace it with a new hotel.

Closed since December 31, 2022, the 59,494 square-foot YMCA facility had served the downtown community for 37 years. 

According to the DRC agenda, Rakesh Patel is listed as the owner of the property located at 2101 4th Avenue North, across from the First Presbyterian Church and Yo Mama’s restaurant.  Although, the agenda says Patel is the owner, he only has a contract to purchase the property. The YMCA still owns the building.

Richard Rauh is on the agenda as the architect. His Atlanta-based firm has completed dozens of Marriott and Hilton hotels over the years. 

Hotel capacity increasing in Downtown Birmingham

Downtown Birmingham has significantly increased its hotel capacity over the past decade, primarily turning abandoned office buildings into major redevelopment projects.

Two new hotels are expected to be opened this year at the Brown Marx Tower, located at the intersection of 20th Street North and 1st Avenue North dubbed the Heaviest Corner on Earth. 

Ascent Hospitality is redeveloping the 117-year-old tower as a dual-branded AC & Element hotel, with a total of 338 rooms for travelers. 

In August 2025, the Birmingham Design Review Committee approved hotel signage for the historic building.

Former Downtown YMCA’s fate to be decided on May 27

Interested in attending the Birmingham Design Review Committee meeting about the future of the former YMCA building? Their next meeting is on Wednesday, May 27th, 7:30AM at Birmingham City Hall, 3rd Floor. Visit the Birmingham Design Review Committee webpage to learn about the duties of this important civic group.