YMCA buys Yellow Bonnet building downtown

The Ozarks Regional YMCA has purchased a historic building in downtown Springfield three months after selling another storied property in the district.

The nonprofit announced in a news release the purchase of the property known as the Yellow Bonnet building at 323 N. Patton Ave. The financial terms were not disclosed.

"This investment decision aligns with our commitment to revitalizing downtown areas and supporting local economies," nonprofit officials said in the release. "We believe that by establishing a prominent presence in the heart of the city, we can contribute to the ongoing revitalization efforts and foster a sense of community pride."

Officials say the building is planned for use as an administrative operations center for the Ozarks Regional YMCA, which has branches in Springfield, Buffalo, Cassville, Hollister, Lebanon and Monett, and the home of the Y’s Center for Youth Development.

The release indicated a grand opening date would be released in the future.

The over 18,000-square-foot Yellow Bonnet building, previously serving as a warehouse, call center and other uses, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to past reporting.

In May, the YMCA closed on the sale of the 417 S. Jefferson Ave. building that had housed its Ward Downtown branch to Phelps County Bank for roughly $2 million, according to past reporting. The building dates back more than a century.

The Pat Jones YMCA on Republic Road now is the sole gym in Springfield operated by the organization, according to its website.