The Collegian

Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: News

A building that 10 years ago housed the college hangout will no longer sit empty as Brett Boyd, owner of Hillsdale Market House, hopes to begin constructing a new 24-hour gym by the end of next week.

Boyd likes to say that customers of his gym, Anytime Fitness, will receive state of the art training facilities for just $1.31 a day - the price of a cup of coffee.

The gym, an Anytime Fitness franchise, will stay open 24 hours a day. It will take the place of the abandoned Mike's Depot Restaurant, located between Citgo and the old train station.

"I see a real drive in the community for a healthier lifestyle, and this gym will provide a service that will enable people to accomplish that goal," Boyd said.

The station, once the city center of commerce, has been abandoned for over 10 years. The 2,400-square-foot building sits at the foot of Hillsdale's downtown district and within walking distance of Hillsdale College. Boyd expects to complete the building before students return to campus in the fall.

For $39.99 per month, Boyd's members will have access to top of the line equipment any time of day, including personal trainers, massage therapy and tanning beds. The treadmills and stationary bikes will have iPod accessibility and individual monitors for watching TV. The gym will also contain a range of motion machines that allow members to complete a 55-minute workout in 8 minutes.

Boyd hopes to attract business from the college crowd by offering students free tanning with membership.

Junior and college football team member Joseph Stempien thinks adding a new weight room in the community will help clear the sports complex of people who cloud the weight room during team lifting.

"I mean we are the reason the weight room is here, and it's kind of annoying that we have to lift around them," Stempien said. "Another weight room will allow all of us to lift in peace."

Sophomore Cameron Blaauw said he would enjoy another weight room, but having the sports complex so close and the opportunity to lift for free is too much to go elsewhere.

"[The sports complex] is so close, I don't think I would go anywhere else," Blaauw said. "Maybe if it was free."

Local resident Marques Dula, 20, said a 24-hour gym will be extremely useful in Hillsdale, especially for his family.

"The new gym will be a great fit for Hillsdale," Dula said. "My mom is a doctor at Hillsdale Hospital and works a lot of late nights, so having a gym with 24-hour access will finally allow her to fit exercise into her busy schedule."

Boyd said he wants to look out for the well-being of the community and provide a service that is not currently offered.

"We love Hillsdale College, and it is not our intention to hurt the complex," Boyd said. "We are going to offer a quick in and out experience that will enable the busiest person to 'hit the gym' on the fly."

To assist those busy schedules, Anytime Fitness will have shower facilities so working men and women can return to their office before lunch hour ends.

Boyd said his gym will help to attract more commerce downtown and add to the growing vibrance of the city. Mayor Michael Sessions agreed.

"Any time a new investment like that happens in the community its great for us," Sessions said. "I think it will add a lot to the business climate downtown."

Boyd originally thought about constructing a drive-through Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins store, but decided to opt for the gym when Anytime Fitness representatives presented a convincing business plan.

"I happened to get hooked up with Anytime Fitness and was impressed with their business plan," Boyd said. "I think it will provide a great service for the residents and visitors of Hillsdale."

The seasoned entrepreneur has confidence in his new undertaking and believes the community will respond positively to the new business.

"The key to success is to surround ourselves with good people, and good things will happen," Boyd said. "We are doing it now with Market House, and I see no reason why it can't continue at Anytime Fitness."

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