Construction delays for Genesis Health Club

Nearly six months after its anticipated completion date, construction still is ongoing.

The Kansas-based company purchased the former St. Joseph Tennis and Swim Club, 3107 N. Belt Highway, in November 2014. Genesis also bought two and a half acres of land to the north of the facility for its fitness expansion.

Construction efforts hit delays early on in the project due to elevation differences with the land sitting on a hill. The location required much more dirt work than expected. The project still is under construction.

“The building is built,” said Rodney Steven II, owner of Genesis. We’re just finishing the inside.”

The transition to marry an existing dated facility with newer construction can prove difficult, Steven said.

“I’ve only built three from the ground up,” he said. “Most others have been acquisitions. Doing a remodel can be sometimes harder.”

The club has not closed during construction, however, some members are feeling let down with the slow progress. The facility is expected to have six refinished tennis courts, a full-size basketball court with indoor track and an Olympic-sized indoor pool. While there is an outdoor pool, members aren’t able to utilize all the promised updates just yet.

Stacy Bollmeyer joined Genesis with some friends in April. The proximity to her home, and the indoor pool, convinced her to switch gyms.