YMCA To Sell 4th Street Location, Focus On Preschool Services: Report

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — To focus on the expansion of its preschool services in South St. Petersburg, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg will sell its Harbordale location on Fourth Street S., according to multiple reports.

The Harbordale location at 2421 Fourth Street S. has been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

The 5,200-square-foot facility opened in April 2002.

Funds from the sale of the property will be used to expand the Speer YMCA Preschool Ave. S.Academy, which opened in 2015 at 2100 26th Ave. S.

The location offers early intervention and toddler development programs, as well as a state-accredited volunteer prekindergarten program for children ages 2 to 5 years old, St. Pete Catalyst reported.

The location also has classroom space, a playground, a teaching kitchen, a community center, and an area for sports and recreation.

Currently, 98 children attend these programs. The planned expansion of about 5,000 square feet would create infant and toddler classrooms, allowing the facility to take on another 48 children ages six weeks to 2 years old.“The lack of quality, accredited infant and toddler care is a deep concern for the St. Petersburg community,” David Jezek, president and CEO of YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, said in a news release, according to St. Pete Rising. “The proceeds from selling the Harbordale YMCA will be reinvested in the Speer YMCA Preschool Academy to meet the growing demand for child care here in South St. Pete and to advance our children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.”