Demo of Leaning Tower YMCA residential building in Niles starts

by BRIAN NADIG

The demolition of the former Leaning Tower YMCA residential building started Monday morning, April 28, as the Village of Niles hopes to attract a mixed-use development to the 6.6-acre site.

Mayor George Alpogianis initiated the demolition by operating the first wrecking ball to hit the building, which closed in 2021. The membership facility closed a year earlier due to declining membership and upkeep costs.

The village purchased the site in 2024 for $2.1 million and is looking to attract retail, dining and entertainment uses to the parcel.

The village already owns the Leaning Tower of Niles, a half-scale replica of Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. The landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and village officials have said that the iconic structure will remain as part of the area’s redevelopment.

The structure was constructed in 1934 by industrialist Robert Ilg to conceal a water tower for his employees’ water park, according to the village. In 1960 Ilg’s descendants donated part of the park for the construction of the YMCA.

 

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