Charlotte YMCA sells Morrison branch in Ballantyne, part of big reinvestment plan
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is selling its Morrison YMCA site in Ballantyne for $42.5 million to a local church, a move the YMCA said will accelerate its strategy to upgrade facilities and programs across the region.
The YMCA’s Board of Directors approved the purchase and sale agreement with Moments of Hope Church, the Y said Wednesday. The south Charlotte Morrison YMCA site is at 9405 Bryant Farms Road.
But some members of the community jumped on social media to blast the YMCA’s decision to close the Ballantyne branch. They made their displeasure known on the Morrison branch’s sites.
“What an utter disappointment and quite frankly an insult,” Facebook user Jamie Cooke posted, echoing other people’s concerns. “This facility is run by an amazing staff, and now where do they turn? We are in this facility nearly every day of the week and are absolutely appalled by the fact any sane person could arrive at this decision.”
The church plans to convert the facility into its new home to expand its ministry through sports programming and community educational initiatives, according to the YMCA.
The YMCA said the sale is a cornerstone of its multi-year strategic plan, which includes a $100-million investment across its network of centers. Several facilities, some of which have not seen capital improvements in nearly 20 years, are scheduled for upgrades.
“We are approaching this transition with care and respect for the relationships built there,” Sue Glass, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, said in Wednesday’s statement. “While this decision represents a significant change, it also creates an opportunity to strengthen how we serve communities across our region in the years ahead.”
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte notified employees of the Morrison sale before the public announcement, according to an email shared Wednesday with The Charlotte Observer.
The message stated that “leadership will continue working closely with staff throughout the process, including identifying opportunities for employees to continue their careers within the YMCA network wherever possible and providing ongoing communication and support as plans continue to develop.”
It also included a link to talking points people could use if they get questions from YMCA members, family or the community.
What the Morrison branch sale means for Ballantyne members
The Morrison YMCA will remain open until the sale closes, which is expected in summer 2027. Community partners currently leasing space in the facility also will operate as usual until the closing date, the YMCA said.
Following the closure, members will have access to nearby YMCA locations, including Sara’s YMCA, Brace YMCA, Hemby Program Center and Harris YMCA.
That was little comfort to Instagram user Mackenna Hargis. “A giant blow to the community,” Hargis said. “The opportunities offered to the adults and children will never be replaced. I drive 40 minutes (three to four time a week), past two other Ys to come here bc Morrison is unmatched in childcare and workout space.”
Another long-time member also chimed in.
“I can’t tell you how sad, disappointed and angry this makes me,” Instagram user James Neubauer wrote. “I have volunteered at and visited this YMCA with my entire family for the last 15 years and for a decision like this to have already been made without having an open dialogue with the members and volunteers is unbelievable.”
YMCA of Greater Charlotte regional upgrades
Proceeds from the Morrison sale will be reinvested to expand capacity and upgrade at other YMCA facilities including Johnston YMCA in NoDa, Stratford Richardson YMCA, Harris YMCA and Hemby Program Center, the organization said.
The YMCA is in the early stages of a comprehensive capital campaign to support these initiatives. The Johnston Y’s redevelopment project is supported through a $5 million federal fund.
“Strong stewardship requires bold decisions and long-term thinking,” said Jeff Brown, chair of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte Board of Directors. “As we build on more than 150 years of service to the Charlotte region, we are honoring the Y’s legacy while positioning it to meet the needs of future generations.”
More on YMCA’s footprints in the Charlotte area
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte began in 1874 as the Charlotte Association. During that time, fewer than 5,000 people lived in Charlotte, and Mecklenburg County had only 25,000 people.
For its first 50 years, the organization built the city’s first public pool, gym, auditorium and library.
When thousands of soldiers came to Charlotte in 1917 to train at the newly formed Camp Greene before deployment to Europe in World War I, the YMCA made sure they had books, movies, magazines and stationery to write home, the Observer previously reported.
Today, the YMCA offers programs and services such as free exercise classes, pools, indoor and outdoor water parks, and child care. It now operates 14 centers in the region.
The national nonprofit YMCA was established 175 years ago in London. It serves more than 64 million people in 120 countries.
About the Greater Charlotte YMCA revenue picture
The YMCA is “dedicated to putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all … to enhance community well-being, equip next generation of changemakers and foster innovation and unity for greater impact,” according to the mission statement in the tax filing. Such filings are publicly available for nonprofits like the YMCA.
The YMCA’s revenue in 2024 dropped to its lowest level since 2021 It fell from $92 million in the 2023 fiscal year to $74.1 million in 2024, according to its most recent IRS tax filings. That’s a nearly 20% decline in revenue.
It also marked the second-lowest revenue in six years, trailing only the 2021 figure of $71.8 million during the height of COVID.
The YMCA’s 2024 expenses were $85.5 million, leaving an overall deficit of $11.4 million. Its net assets were $142.6 million.
After reporting a deficit in 2022 with $75.8 million in revenue, the YMCA explored selling the Johnston YMCA in NoDa in 2023. But when that was met with community backlash, the organization instead sold two Lincoln County branches to the Catawba Valley YMCA system.
CEO Glass’ total annual compensation in 2024, her first year leading the organization, was $402,342.
This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 12:37 PM.
