The local YMCA was organized in 1892 and it was housed in a variety of places in the city.

Charles McNider, a local community leader, led the campaign to build this structure.

The Minneapolis architectural firm of Tyrie and Chapman designed the Colonial Revival style building that was built by Madsen Construction Company, also of Minneapolis.

Local legend has it that two members of John Dillinger's gang stayed here while they cased the city before, Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, John Hamilton and Tommy Carroll robbed the First National Bank in 1934, which was owned by McNider.

It was also the host of a variety of community activities over the years, including weekend teen dances held in the 1940s nicknamed "Hi-Dive."