In the space between the two world wars the YMCA was expanding at a rapid pace throughout the country. The group already had a footprint in New Jersey, but not in Bergen County. Hackensack was seen as the perfect place to build a new state of the art facility.
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| Source: TFPNJ Postcard Archive |
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The three story Classical Revival building was built in 1927. It opened its doors the following year. A local newspaper article cites the building as being one of the first to allow women and children from the very beginning.
One of the most impressive features of the building was the large swimming pool in the basement. The YMCA is the largest operator of indoor pools in the entire world, so it only made sense that the Hackensack facility would have one as well.
It was announced in 2022 that operations would be consolidated with a more modern facility in Oradell, and the Hackensack branch was closing.
Despite being well decorated and largely original, the near-century old building was falling apart. The organization figured their resources would be better spent focused on one location.
After just four years of vacancy the building was demolished in 2026. The site will be redeveloped as high density housing, a testament to the current needs of the city.
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