At a recent City Council meeting, Councilman Paul Shipp presented an ordinance authorizing the mayor and the director of public safety services to enter into a contract with SONA Construction LLC for the fitness center expansion. <\/p>\n
The project, which is not to exceed $400,000, was approved following a competitive bidding process.<\/p>\n
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The new space will open up the second floor of the Rocky River fitness center and provide improved usage for members.Kathleen Barnard, special to cleveland.com<\/p>\n
\u201cSeveral potential uses were evaluated, and it was determined that expanding this area would best meet the needs of our residents,\u201d Shipp explained during the meeting.<\/p>\n
According to Rocky River Director of Recreation Bob Holub, \u201cThe space has been occupied by several tenants over the years and most recently the Cleveland Clinic Autism Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter they gave us notice that they\u2019d outgrown the space, we decided now was a great time to pivot and expand the fitness center. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe growth will allow us to add some much needed strength training equipment and rearrange some of our existing equipment,\u201d Holub said.<\/p>\n
As part of the lease termination agreement, the Cleveland Clinic was required to return the space to its original condition. <\/p>\n
Rather than managing the demolition themselves, the clinic provided a financial payout to assist with the city\u2019s renovation costs.<\/p>\n
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The fitness center at the Don Umerley Civic Center in Rocky River will undergo an expansion and renovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince the building\u2019s original design, fitness has really shifted, and folks are interested in incorporating more strength training with their cardio workouts,\u201d Holub said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis re-envisioned space will allow us to provide that at a level we currently cannot.\u201d<\/p>\n
The expansion project proposal includes:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Removal of existing drywall and drop ceiling from the former clinic space<\/p>\n
\u2022 Removal of a manager\u2019s office at the top of the stairs on the second floor<\/p>\n
\u2022 Raising utilities to align with the existing open ceiling deck<\/p>\n
\u2022 Painting exposed ceiling decking to match current fitness center finishes<\/p>\n
\u2022 Installation of rubberized flooring throughout the new area<\/p>\n
\u2022 Addition of mirrors and a water fountain<\/p>\n
\u2022 New fitness equipment, including additional stair-stepping machines<\/p>\n
Construction is expected to begin in late winter. <\/p>\n
The fitness center will remain operational during construction, though some areas may have restricted access during the renovation period.<\/p>\n