Moments of Hope to Buy Ballantyne YMCA Site for $42.5 Million

The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is selling its Ballantyne property to a local church to address a drop in membership that began after the pandemic.

Moments of Hope, a church expanding its congregation, will purchase the 22-acre site for $42.5 million. The organization needs additional space as its current facilities become insufficient for its growing community.

Leadership at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte stated that declining post-pandemic membership prompted the sale. The revenue from the transaction will fund reinvestment in staff and resources across the wider Charlotte region. The Ballantyne branch is scheduled to close in the summer of 2027 under the current timeline.

Residents and employees have spent months opposing the decision, arguing the facility serves as a critical community hub beyond just fitness amenities. Coach Henry Santos of the Save the Morrison Y Coalition said the loss involves more than physical activities. "The biggest thing we're going to lose is not a place to lift weights, or run, or play basketball, or take group classes," Santos said. "It's the 50-odd programs and services that really are a part of creating a community hub."

Coalition member Joseph Navarro questioned the strategic choice to sell a functioning south Charlotte location while updating other branches. "Totally in support of updating other YMCAs, especially those that have got a lot of deferred maintenance," Navarro said. "Is it really at the cost of destroying a community that serves all of this big portion of South Charlotte?"

The proposed closure also threatens local employment. Becky Roller, a staff member with 23 years of service at the Morrison Y, warned that the deal will eliminate livelihoods across the facility. "If this unfortunate sale goes through, I will lose my job along with hundreds of others," Roller said.

The YMCA of Greater Charlotte noted it is collaborating with long-time Morrison staff and volunteers to explore options for continuing community services in the area.