Gym

It’s Official the Dupont YMCA Building Has Sold – Facility Closing Dec. 31st

By Prince Of Petworth

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1711 Rhode Island Avenue, NW

“Today, the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington approved the decision to enter into a purchase agreement for the YMCA National Capital facility, located at 1711 Rhode Island Avenue, NW. As part of the Y’s longtime mission to support families, kids and its community, the nonprofit’s volunteer board and staff leadership are reallocating its limited resources and restructuring operations to meet changing needs and emerging gaps. The Y will continue to have a strong presence in the District, and its primary focus is transitioning its staff, members and services, as well as maintaining community outreach programs.

“This was not an easy decision, but as a nonprofit organization with limited resources, the YMCA must continually evaluate community needs against available resources to strike the right balance in fulfilling our mission,” said Keith Smith, Chair of the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington. “Our buildings may house us, but they do not define us. We have a tremendous opportunity to grow and broaden our reach, but in order to do so, we have to establish more appropriate and efficient models for service delivery.”

While the YMCA National Capital facility has served the downtown business district for 37 years, the needs of the community require that the Y evolve its approach to a community/ neighborhood-based model where it can serve more children and families. With more than 30 like-service providers within walking distance, membership at the YMCA National Capital has declined from a peak of 11,000 to today’s 3,400. As a result, the facility operates at an increasing financial deficit. The Y has invested more than $1.5 million in capital improvements in the building, but because the investments necessarily addressed inefficiencies of the facility and not aesthetics, they did not spur membership growth. After reviewing several proposals, the YMCA has selected a developer with which to move forward. The facility will close as a YMCA as of December 31, 2015. (more…)

Uh Oh – YMCA Dupont Building To Be Sold?

By Prince Of Petworth

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1711 Rhode Island Avenue, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I learned to my dismay that the YMCA National Capital branch will be put up for sale (or is it already up for sale?). This was told to me by a reasonably strong source who was communicated this last week by management officially. They are seeking the big bucks for the location and trying to get over losses they had at the new Antony Bowen location (14th and V). They will let go eventually all of the hourly employee and move around the permanent staff.

This is quite shocking news since this is the only somewhat affordable community gym facility in downtown Washington, not to mention one of the very few swimming pool of a decent size… plus it offers the community some activities such as kids summer camp, and so on which will likely not be easily replaced…Also very weird since they closed the Potomac Branch on June 1. Seems that the Board is completely careless about community needs and instead of replacing the incompetent management and manage the place once and for all professionally, they’d rather cash in. I can’t believe it!”

Ed. Note: The 17th and Rhode Island Ave YMCA location were having a membership drive this weekend. When asked about a possible sale of the building – they said they hadn’t heard this news. Updates when/if more info becomes available.

UPDATE from the Board of Directors & staff leadership of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington:

“As part of our ongoing strategic planning process, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington has been reviewing its operations, services and resources including a comprehensive assessment of YMCA National Capital’s long-term feasibility and impact. We are in the process of reviewing proposals from multiple local real-estate developers interested in the redevelopment of this property.

As a non-profit organization with limited resources, the YMCA must continually evaluate community demographics and needs to strike the right balance in fulfilling our mission. Our buildings may house us, but they do not define us. We have a tremendous opportunity to grow and broaden our reach, but in order to do so, we have to establish more appropriate and efficient models for service delivery. To that end, we are actively looking for new sites in the District to open a family-centered YMCA. Our goal is to serve more people and to be a positive force in the District and beyond. The YMCA takes great pride in being a vital part of the community for 163 years.”

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Old Reformation Fitness space on 9th Street becomes District Pilates

By Prince Of Petworth

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1302 9th St, NW

From their website:

“District Pilates is a boutique Reformer Studio located in the heart of Shaw, Washington DC. District Pilates offers both private, semi-private and group classes using both Peak Pilates Reformers and Chairs. Classes range from beginner to advanced and can be targeted and tailored based off of client’s needs. Pilates Reformer is ideal for every body type, every level of fitness, and every age group. It’s an exercise program that develops core strength as it dynamically works to both stretch and activate muscles, restoring the body’s natural grace, power, and balance. District Pilates offers small classes guaranteeing that you’ll receive plenty of guidance and support from our experienced instructors. Pilates can be done either barefoot, socks or gripsocks – totally your preference!”

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FIT360DC coming to former Laundromat in Mount Pleasant

By Prince Of Petworth

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3058 Mount Pleasant St, NW

Update on yesterday’s news about the 24 hour laundromat moving in Mt. P. Thanks to a reader for passing on this email:

“First, the bad news…the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood will have one less laundromat. Now for the good news…
FIT360DC has a new home in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood,
just 3 blocks away!

That’s right, FIT360DC, celebrating it’s 2-Year Anniversary in October, will be moving to it’s new home this Fall, to 3058 Mt. Pleasant St NW, neighbors with EachPeach and Flying Fish. Our buildout of the former laundromat begins this week, with more space and equipment to better serve our regular members and visitors. Our mission remains as always to provide the Mt. Pleasant/DC area with the best in high-level functional training, accommodating athletes of all ages and abilities, supporting a 360 degree approach to fitness for sport, recreation and everyday life. Our service features will continue to include:

24/7 Membership Access
Small Group Strength Training Classes
Personal Training
Yoga/Pilates
Nutritional Counseling
And, Coming Soon…BOXING!!!”

New barre3 Studio coming to 14th and T St, NW early 2016

By Prince Of Petworth

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1832 14th Street, NW

Ed. Note: Back in the day this space was once planned for a spot called Local 14 then a planned pizza restaurant by Edan Macquaid and most recently an Art Soiree House.

From an email:

“I’m writing to let you know that I will be opening a barre3 studio at 1832 14th Street NW, just above Floors on 14th and next door to Room & Board. The space will occupy the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building, with two studio rooms, changing rooms and childcare.

I have been an instructor at barre3 Georgetown for the last two years. I’m delighted to bring barre3 to the vibrant, growing 14th Street community – and closer to home!

About barre3
barre3 combines the wisdom of yoga, the strength of Pilates and the grace of ballet barre work. Our signature 60-minute class balances strength training through isometric holds and small, one-inch movements with seamless recovery stretches. We also incorporate larger, functional movements with low-impact cardio to jumpstart the metabolism and energize the body. Unique to our brand, we offer an array of modifications for every posture allowing all fitness levels to maximize the workout while remaining injury free. As both a fitness system and a whole-body health philosophy, barre3 helps clients to realize amazing, lasting results – a strong, lean physique and a happy, balanced mindset.

barre3 is based in Portland, OR. In just seven years, it has grown from a single location in Portland’s Pearl District to more than 75 locations and streaming online.”

From 2012:

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“D.C. Knows Squash” – Get Ready for ‘Squash on Fire’ coming to 23rd and M St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

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23rd and M St, NW

Not sure how to process this one but I played squash I’d be pretty psyched. Previously we learned:

“This fall EastBanc will break ground on Squash on Fire — a $12 million, state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot indoor squash facility as an integral piece of the $200 million West End Library and Fire Station mixed-use residential project. When completed, Squash on Fire will include eight courts and a full-service restaurant situated atop of the newly renovated fire station.”

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SoulCycle Signage Spotted in Mount Vernon Square

By Prince Of Petworth

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Thanks to a reader for sending:

“set to open in the new gigantic 601 Mass building in mount Vernon square.”

Previously we learned:

“SoulCycle Mount Vernon will feature a 62-bike studio, home to the signature SoulCycle workout, and an expansive SoulCycle lifestyle boutique, selling SoulCycle’s original clothing collection. Additional rider amenities include full men’s and women’s locker rooms with three showers each, multiple bathrooms, and locker area.”

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601 Massachusetts Ave, NW

New Yoga Studio, 405 Yoga, Coming to Trinidad this Fall

By Prince Of Petworth

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Thanks to a reader for sending:

“The commercial property at the corner of West Virginia and Florida Ave NE, which has been empty for eons, is apparently going to be a new yoga studio.”

NAMASTAY TUNED! 405 YOGA is moving to DC Fall 2015, offering Vinyasa, Power, and Rocket yoga to rock the sweat and elevate the spirit.

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