GAINESVILLE - The sale of the former McGurn YMCA facility in northeast Gainesville has been finalized, giving that building a new "lease on life".

 

The sale was completed late last month. The facility was sold to a mother and daughter team who plan on turning it into a charter school. But before the school can officially open, the owners say they need a variety of permits from the city of Gainesville, including a land-use change and a rezoning permit.

 

Abbitt wrote a letter to the city commission on Tuesday, asking them to speed up the permitting process so the school can be ready for its planned opening in July.  Abbitt says construction and renovation of the former "Y" complex should begin within the next few months, including filling in the swimming pool.

 

The old McGurn complex has been sitting idle ever since the North Central Florida YMCA first put it up for sale after falling into financial hardship.