Virginia Beach Club Closing After 12 years

After 12 years, Town Center Fitness will close by the end of November as its owner turns his focus to his son’s upcoming surgery.

“He needs my attention,” Tom Purcell said Wednesday. “That comes number one in my life.”

The Simon Family Jewish Community Center, about 2 miles away, hired Purcell to be its fitness director in April. He said his existing 200 Town Center Fitness members can join the community center at the same membership rate, and try it for free now until December.

Purcell’s fitness center at 205 Town Center Drive will close the week of Nov. 25. He said he plans to eventually sell the fitness equipment and dissolve his company. At the community center, he’ll bring in new equipment and help rebrand the fitness offerings.

He said the most difficult letter to write was the one he sent to his landlord, Armada Hoffler, letting them know he would leave after his lease expired.

“They made a dream come true,” Purcell said, helping him start his fitness business.

He said his 8-year-old son has endured multiple procedures since he was born, a result of VATER syndrome. His next major surgery is in November.

The Divaris Group, the leasing company for Town Center, is in talks with two potential fitness tenants to fill the space.

Michael Divaris said the company believes a health club is an integral part of Town Center.