$7 million invested Genesis Health Clubs

It was approved unanimously.

Rodney Steven II, owner, said an addition of 23,000 square feet is planned. It will house a weight room, indoor pool, track, cardio room and basketball courts. They will also build their “signature” locker room with high-end amenities, he said.

The old facility, formerly known as the St. Joseph Tennis and Swim Club, will still hold five indoor tennis courts, but they will be rehabilitated to look brand new. Eventually, a new outdoor pool will be built.

“It’s upscale,” said Mr. Steven, who owns 18 Genesis locations. “It will be the nicest gym we have in the city.”

He added the investment is upward of $7 million. The gym will staff 110 employees, 50 of which will be full time.

Mr. Steven said construction should begin within the next week.

“We’re ready to go,” he said.

Discussion during a public hearing on Monday lasted nearly 50 minutes as Mr. Steven, his lawyer and his architect addressed concerns by surrounding neighbors.

Issues ranged from the landscape buffer between the facility and residential homes, to whether the gym would really be built on that property.

One neighbor, William Scroggins, said he did not want the City Council to re-zone the area if there was no guarantee the facility would be built. He said he was concerned that if Gensis’ plans fell through, just anything — like a gas station — could be built there.

Mr. Steven assured the council, however, that his contractor is ready to begin as soon as building permits are pulled.

Another issue had to do with access off Karnes Road. They were concerned Genesis would turn an easement into an access road, which would become a major disruption to their neighborhood.

Mr. Steven said they have agreed to only allow traffic to enter off North Belt Highway. The easement in question will be deeded to the adjacent property owners.

Genesis Health Clubs purchased the St. Joseph Tennis and Swim Club in November. Initial plans were to expand right away, but they encountered a few roadblocks.

Mr. Steven did not give word on how long construction might take.