The YMCA of Greater Richmond was established in 1854 at St. Pauls Episcopal Church. In 1909, a larger building was constructed and opened to carry out the many programs of the YMCA based on Christian values of honesty, integrity, fair play and the development of spirit, mind, and body. In 1942 a new structure was dedicated at 2 W. Franklin Street.

Since its inception in 1854 with a goal to bring young men under religious and moral influences, to provide a library and reading room, to provide lectures, devotional meeting and Bible classes and to provide young men a safe, wholesome home-away-from-home, the YMCA of Greater Richmond has become the institution that it is today- promoting mind, body, and spirit for all.