Niles begins demolition of former Leaning Tower YMCA residential building
NILES, Ill. (WLS) -- The demolition of a former community hub in Niles is officially underway on Monday.
The former YMCA building will be brought to the ground in an effort to modernize the nearly seven-acre plot of land.
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Niles leaders say this is a significant step in the village's renaissance plan to revitalize the area surrounding the still standing and historic Leaning Tower of Niles, built by industrialist Robert Ilg.
"It's been here since 1934. It's not going anywhere in my life or during the future, from what I can foresee," said Niles Mayor George D. Alpogianis.
The beloved landmark and half-scale replica of Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa is protected by the National Register of Historic Places.
"For me, it's very real!" said Nelson Pacana, who lives nearby.
In 1960, Ilg donated part of the park for the construction of the YMCA, with an agreement to maintain the water tower.
But tucked behind the tower sits the old YMCA residential building, which is being demolished.
Alpogianis manned the excavator, marking the end of a Niles institution.
For decades, the Leaning Tower YMCA served as a community gathering place.
"I learned how to swim here. Everyone did," Alpogianis said.
Facing financial strain during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Leaning Tower was one of three Chicago-area YMCAs to close in 2020. In March 2024, the village purchased the property along Touhy Avenue for $2.1 million.
"We're giving people a gathering spot where they can hang out, they can shop, they can eat," Alpogianis said.
Alpogianis says the village did more than $2 billion in retail sales in 2024. While nothing is set in stone, village leaders say they are talking through ideas with consultants and developers in an effort to entice tourists and residents alike to stay and spend money.
"It's our national treasure, but it's here in Niles, and so we always want to capitalize on how fun it is," said Niles Deputy Village Manager Katie Schneider.
The demolition of the residential building will take three months. At that point, the village can move forward with development plans of what they are calling a mixed-use project.
