There’s been a pretty big change in plans for the Gold’s Gym proposed for SE Division at 30th. The gym plan has been fairly controversial in the neighborhood, with plenty of neighbors eagerly awaiting the gym’s opening, and other neighbors—plus Loprinzi’s gym, a dozen blocks down Division—not too thrilled that such a large gym wants to open shop among so many mom-and-pop stores.

Well, this just in from Stan Amy, one of the property owners (and one of the most forthright developers I’ve ever met). His announcement might reframe the debate:

Hello,

I want to share with you some recent developments related to the former “Wild Oats” building located 30th and Division. I know there is a lot of interest in the project and I want to keep you up to date.

First, as you may know, the city’s Adjustment Committee upheld the decision to grant an adjustment that would allow a fitness center larger than 10,000 sq ft to go forward. There’s no question that the strong showing of support from local organizations, businesses, and neighbors had a huge positive impact. Thank you again for your support!

Second, based upon what we learned in the community outreach process, we’ve redesigned the project to better meet common goals, including: serving as a core attractor to foster a healthy business node; creating a more vibrant streetscape; and providing additional opportunities for diverse, street level, small retailers.

To accomplish these ends, the modified design includes:

1) Reducing the size of the health and wellness center (from 34,000 to 22,000 sq ft) and relocating it primarily on the 2nd floor
2) Maintaining a street level entrance and locker rooms for the fitness center
3) Creating 4-6 new street level bays available for small retailers to further advance the vision of a vibrant neighborhood business district

We believe these changes significantly improve the project's feasibility and advance what we have heard as neighborhood goals. We hope you share our enthusiasm for these enhancements and will continue to support our efforts going forward.

The next step is contingent on whether the Adjustment Committee's decision is appealed to the state Land Use Board of Appeals. We are pleased that to date, no further appeals have been filed and look forward to realizing a positive solution for the property and for the neighborhood.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email them to me at synergyondivision@newvillages.com and I will respond as quickly as possible.

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Stan