25 Year Old Racquet & Fitness Center On The Market….Asking $4 Million.

One of the city’s oldest tennis and fitness clubs is on the market.

Springfield Racquet & Fitness Center co-owner Kevin Boorse said Thursday  he and his wife, Julie, actually have been trying to sell the center and outdoor  pool at 3725 Chatham Road for a couple of years. He said the center will remain  in operation until a buyer is found.

Boorse said the couple renewed efforts to sell the facility with the  improvement in the economy, and recently hired a new real-estate company to  market the center, pool and an adjoining 21 acres.

“We figured we have owned this club for more than 25 years, and our kids  aren’t going to be taking it over,” said Boorse. “We’re looking to retire.”

A Springfield partnership opened the center in 1971, according to newspaper  archives.

The multi-purpose tennis club and pool are on the market for an asking price  of $3.25 million and the 21-acre tract at $1.25 million. The properties can be  purchased together for $4 million.

Boorse said the couple considered expanding on the 21 acres a few years ago,  but the recession intervened. He said retirement or assisted-living facilities  were among the options.

There has been interest in the club, said Boorse, including from local  buyers.

“We’ve also had some from Chicago and Colorado,” he said. “We knew it was  going to take a few years to find the right buyer.”

Boorse said increased competition from new fitness centers — Planet Fitness  opened on Wabash Avenue this year, and LA Fitness is expected to open this fall  at White Oaks Mall — has had some effect on membership.

“The advantage is we’re a tennis club, and fitness is an extra amenity for  our tennis members,” said Boorse. “Our main focus has always been tennis.”

Tim Landis can be reached at 788-1536. Follow him at  twitter.com/timlandisSJR.

Read more: http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x208440769/Racquet-Fitness-Center-on-the-market#ixzz2XXbdqpSH