The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 because of the significance of its architectural features. The Henry Clay became one of Louisville’s most endangered sites after being abandoned in 1987.

In 2003, Preservation Kentucky named the old "YWCA" to its Kentucky's Most Endangered list. During the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Bill Weyland, the developer, announced with city officials that he would redevelop the building.