Gold's Gym owners unveil plans for new facility

The owners of Gold's Gym, 3230 E. Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire are in the process of developing a 60,000-square-foot, two-story fitness complex at 3225 Lorch Avenue, east of Highway 93. The site plan for the facility was approved by the City of Eau Claire Plan Commission and the city council in late October, 2007.

"We will be nearly doubling the size of our facility with construction scheduled for completion in August, 2008. Out of the 650 Gold's Gyms worldwide, we will be in the top 10 as far as the size of our building and the services that we plan to offer," said Co-owner Rock Holmquist, who has been leasing the existing facility with partner Brent Wirsing since the operation opened more six years ago.

The new Gold's Gym, located on a 5.5-acre parcel, will continue to feature separate ladies' and childrens' areas. However, there will be an emphasis on providing activities for senior citizens by adding a 1,600-square-foot swimming pool and other amenities.

"We will be going from a completely "dry" facility to being a full-fledged aquatic operation. Our customers have also told us that they want to continue to be a family-friendly facility, which we will stress to the rest of the community," said Holmquist, who added that the new operation will increase the current 50-person workforce by about 10 people.

Some of the other features for the new facility include an area for free weights, cardio machines and an exercise room.

Bauman Construction is the general contractor. TBL