WICHITA — Last summer, Have You Heard? reported that Genesis Health Clubs would add Lawrence and Leavenworth locations.
Now, owner Rodney Steven II is buying a new, larger building in Leavenworth at 2924 S. 4th St., which is a former Food 4 Less.
The club currently is in the Leavenworth shopping mall at 3400 S. 4th St.
“Since opening up our location in Leavenworth I don’t feel we have had the opportunity to serve our members in the way we are known for,” Steven said in a statement. “We are sorry it took us so long, but we were unable to get the current landlord at the Leavenworth Mall to work with us on a new lease or purchase of the building on acceptable terms. We didn’t want to remodel the existing space until we owned the building or had a long-term lease in place.”
The club owns all its other buildings.
The 26-year-old Genesis has 10 sites, including five in Wichita.
The new space, which will be ready late this year, will have new features, such as a basketball court, walking track and lap pool.
There will be a studio for the mixed martial arts and American jujitsu along with studios for cycling, aerobics, yoga, Pilates and group fitness. Spacious cardio and weight rooms will feature new equipment.
The club also will have a whirlpool along with steam rooms within the locker rooms.
“I’m excited to start construction and share with our members what we have in store for them!” Steven said.