Old Y building closed ‘until further notice’

WASHINGTON — The Washington Indoor Aquatic Center at 121 East Main Street, also known as the old Y Building in town, is closed “until further notice,” according to the YMCA of Washington County.

An email from CEO Amy Schulte said the facility had suffered “major damage as the result of several broken water pipes.”

“Our team is working diligently to determine the extent of the damage and all reasonable options for repairs,” the emailed statement said. “It is too early to offer any additional information, but (the) board of directors will be meeting on Monday to make decisions on next steps. We understand that this may inconvenience many of you, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to better understand this situation.”

While the indoor pool itself — nearly a century old — was already closed for the last three weeks due to an unrelated equipment failure, the latest damage shutters the entire building just off Washington’s square.

In a phone call Friday morning, Schulte said the broken pipes had allowed water into the building’s boiler system, meaning the facility had neither heat nor running water at the moment.

“We’re waiting for the boiler repair company to come and hopefully get it started back up for us,” she said. “Hopefully, it’s a temporary situation that can be resolved relatively quickly … we’ll know more once we have the advice of professionals.”

CITYPOINT Church, which recently moved its office into the building, has removed its materials for the time being, according to Schulte.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com