Ames Racquet and Fitness to Open New Facility at ISU Research Park
October 21, 2015: AMES, IA - Iowa State University Research Park (ISU RP) and Ames Racquet and Fitness Center (ARFC) today announced ARFC's intention to build a full-service, state-of-the-art fitness club to be located in a newly constructed 52,000 square foot building at ISU Research Park.
The new membership based fitness club will replace ARFC's original facility located at 320 South 17th Street in Ames, which recently sold to Harvest Vineyard Church. ARFC intends to keep the current location operating until construction is complete, estimated for early 2017.
“We could not be more pleased to partner with another well established, highly regarded Ames business for our expansion into commercial entities to support the next phase of growth at ISU RP,” said Steve Carter, Director at ISU Research Park. “A fitness center in close proximity is a long desired tenant amenity. This partnership will allow that to occur as this group of local investors is choosing to make a significant investment and expand their business here.”
Building plans feature significant upgrades and in-house amenities, including: a 150 meter indoor track, new strength and conditioning equipment, sauna, steam room, and a nursery / kids’ gym. The facility will have space dedicated specifically for yoga, spinning, personal training, group fitness, massage therapy and fitness workshops.
“We are thrilled to bring this significant upgrade to our current members and also to bring a highly desired amenity to ISU Research Park,” said Tom Durkin, ARFC General Manager/Partner. “We want to be a part of the movement that President Leath and the ISU RP leadership have created; and we feel we are a natural fit. President Leath’s vision and leadership with his team have made this opportunity possible and we greatly appreciate it.”
ARFC’s plans for the new facility also include space for health and wellness related third parties to rent. While leases are not yet finalized, Durkin said ARFC intends to include: a chiropractic office, coffee/smoothie bar, and a salon. Approximately 3,000 square feet remains available for rent to a fitness related entity. Multiple leases are already out to providers of the aforementioned ancillary services and announcements will be made as those are finalized.
“We try to stay on the very cutting edge of the latest trends in fitness, whether that is with our facilities, equipment, or programming,” said Durkin. “This facility combines that trend with the very latest technology and equipment. It will also be located in an environment (at ISU RP) where the integration of technology and forward thinking is expected. We are excited to be working with Harold Pike Construction as well as Jeff Harris with Roseland, Mackey Architects. Both are local business and have been fixtures in the community for many years. They have been very helpful and extremely great to work with.”
The new ARFC will feature upgraded fitness equipment with internet and advanced technological capabilities. The fitness studios will also see significant upgrades including a theater style spin room, a dedicated yoga studio, an expanded personal training room, and an auditorium classroom space for education workshops and events. ARFC will no longer provide tennis and racquetball.
ARFC will be located on a six acre lot it will purchase from ISU RP at the intersection of University Boulevard and Collaboration Place in ISU RP’s commercial expansion district near the ISU Economic Development Core Facility.
ISU RP officials also recently announced the addition of a new restaurant to be built by the owners of the Ames Cafe, which is also currently under development. The two organizations both have facilities in North Ames’ Somerset subdivision currently.
ABOUT ISU Research Park
The Iowa State University Research Park is a not for profit 25 year old real estate development community closely affiliated with Iowa State University. ISU RP assists both established and start-up companies in connecting with Iowa State’s vast infrastructure to grow their enterprises; whether through students, research entities, equipment, or a multitude of other resources. ISU RP is currently home to more than 60 companies employing 1300 people and occupies just under half a million square feet of commercial real estate on 220 acres. ISU RP recently announced plans to expand into an additional 200 acres of developable space, which will include tenant amenities, a park, and multi use trails.
ABOUT Ames Racquet and Fitness Center
Ames Racquet and Fitness Center currently operates three locations throughout Ames and has been serving the fitness needs of the greater Ames community since 1977. The club has been voted Best Fitness Center of Story County for 8 consecutive years.
Ames Racquet and Fitness Center Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: When will the current South 16th Street ARFC location close?
A: The South location will remain open and serving members until the new location opens. There may be a day or two that we transition our staff from one location to the other, but we expect downtime to be minimal, at most a week.
Q: Will my membership work at the new location or is the new location only for Research Park employees?
A: Yes, as always, your membership is for all locations.
The new location is open to the entire community, including research park employees that would like to purchase a membership.
Q: Are there discounts available for Research Park employees?
A: ISU RP companies, (or any company/organization) can contact Brett Halverson at 515-956-4290 for membership information.
Q: Why are you discontinuing tennis and racquetball?
A: This is a decision that we did not take lightly. In order to bring our members the very latest programming and equipment, we made the difficult decision to discontinue it. Harvest Vineyard Church plans to continue tennis services for the public.
Q: Will Ames have any indoor tennis facilities?
A: The Harvest Vineyard Church will continue to serve the needs of the Ames tennis community, and it is our understanding that the church intends to keep at least a portion of the tennis facility operating.
Q: I want to rent space within the new ARFC, who do I contact:
A: Contact Tom Durkin: 515.290.2900
Q: When can I see what this facility will look like?
A: We will unveil renderings and a floor plan at the ISU Research Park Business After Hours event on November 19.