Genesis Health Clubs will purchase the old Sears building at Southridge Mall, with plans to turn it into a $13.5 million fitness and athletic complex.
The project is a partnership between Genesis, Polk County, and the City of Des Moines.
The complex will include weights, cardio, child care, five basketball courts, an indoor swimming pool, and another major attraction to be announced.
Full release from Genesis Health Clubs:
Genesis Health Clubs today announced the pending purchase of the former Sears building in the Southridge Mall, along with plans to develop the property into a $13.5 million fitness and athletic complex. The move solidifies Genesis’ considerable and growing footprint in Des Moines and promises to revitalize the area and trigger economic growth in the area.
Genesis Health Clubs first entered the Des Moines market in November of 2019 with its purchase of four area Aspen Athletic Club locations. Since then, it has continued to solidify its footprint, acquiring its Mills Civic location, formerly Prairie Life Fitness, in July of 2020 and moving into the South Suburban YMCA building two months later in September.
Rodney Steven II, Genesis Health Clubs President and Owner, reflected on the company’s commitment to Des Moines. “It’s crazy how much has happened in the last year and a half since we came to Des Moines and how much more we plan to do. This facility, coupled with the full remodel coming soon for our Hickman Road location, will really bring a new definition of fitness to Des Moines. We’re so excited to get started and show everyone what we have in store.”
“I’m particularly excited about the basketball courts, which will be filled with programming, leagues, and activities. We’re working with the city to offer heavily discounted access, programming, and leagues to disadvantaged kids in the area. Kids who participate in sports and exercise stay out of trouble, do better in school, and are more successful in life, and we’re incredibly excited to share this facility with some kids who wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise.”
Steven continued, “We’ve invested heavily in Des Moines, and we’re thrilled to be working with a city council that’s also willing to invest in health and fitness. Their vision will result in a huge facility with five basketball courts, an indoor swimming pool, and a full health club with luxury locker rooms, weights, cardio, childcare, and so much more. South Des Moines has never seen anything like this, and it will result in a happier, healthier population, plus all the economic growth that goes along with that.”
Ward Council Member Joe Gatto added, “It’s wonderful to see an adaptive reuse like this revitalizing the former Sears building at Southridge. This project will boost the economic vitality of the area by getting this large retail space reactivated again, and it couldn’t be for a better purpose. Genesis Health Clubs has been wonderful to work with, and they’re really going to bring something special to our residents.”
Steven teased that there is at least one more big announcement coming. “I can’t share what it is just yet, but we’re going to bring another major attraction to this site. It will be something currently missing from the area and will be major news when we’re able to announce it. Kids and families in south Des Moines will have a lot to get excited about soon!”