The national fitness chain is planning a major reconstruction of The Houston City Club to convert it into an 89,000-sq. ft. fitness facility after it closes this summer. The company also plans to begin operations in the Galleria Tennis & Athletic Club by April 13.
Two of Houston’s oldest tennis clubs are closing within the coming weeks and months to be replaced by a popular fitness chain whose modern facilities include cafes, spas and day care centers, in addition to high-end equipment, classes and sports programs, the Houston Chronicle reported.
Minnesota-based Life Time Fitness has signed a lease to take over The Houston City Club space, and also has a deal in the works to open in place of the Galleria Tennis & Athletic Club, the Chronicle reported.
Life Time, which says its clubs offer a “resort-like” atmosphere, is planning a major reconstruction of the Houston City Club space to convert it into one of its large-format facilities with 89,000 sq. ft. A spokesman said current plans call for eliminating tennis there, the Chronicle reported.
Mark Levy, a member of Houston City Club for the last 10 years, said he hasn’t noticed any major changes at the club that signaled it might close. He said the club’s 10 tennis courts had even been updated in recent years, the Chronicle reported.
But private business, dining and fitness clubs are increasingly facing competition from other venues, and corporations have cut back on memberships for employees, the Chronicle reported.
“Membership, I think, with all kinds of clubs like these is an issue. Maybe I noticed in the last couple of years a younger crowd coming,” Levy said.
Life Time said work will begin on the space once Houston City Club closes this summer. The opening date for the new facility will be announced later this year, the Chronicle reported.
Life Time spokesman Jason Thunstrom said the chain plans to consolidate all tennis in the Houston City Club location, while adding some other fitness offerings. The company is expected to begin operating in the Galleria space April 13, the Chronicle reported.
ClubCorp of Dallas, owner of the 38-year-old Houston City Club, said it was unable to negotiate an extension on its expiring lease. The club will close June 12, the Chronicle reported.
Spokeswoman Patty Jerde said ClubCorp remains committed to the Houston area. She cited the 14 golf and country clubs and three business and sports clubs it owns and operates here. They include The Met at the Downtown Club, Center Club and the Houston Club, the Chronicle reported.
Houston City Club members, she said, will be able to move their memberships to one of the company’s downtown business and sports clubs or area golf and country clubs. “We will also refer employee partners to other clubs in the area and to their colleagues within the local hospitality industry,” Jerde said in a statement.
Parkway signed a 20-year lease with Life Time for the space. Houston City Club members will be able to obtain Life Time memberships without enrollment fees through April 30. The national fitness chain operates locations across the U.S. and Canada, the Chronicle reported.
The Galleria Tennis & Athletic Club occupies the former space of the University Club of Houston, which was closed in 2006 after 35 years in business. It blamed the closing on declining membership and unsuccessful lease negotiations with the landlord, the Chronicle reported.
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