Plan Calls for Historic River Market Building to be Restored for Gym

By Kevin Collison

A derelict historic building in the River Market at 407 Grand is slated to be restored to its original appearance as the new home of TheGymKC.

TheGymKC, which has operated in the River Market at 200 Wyandotte, needs to relocate to make way for a redevelopment plan, according to the project application with the Planned Industrial Expansion Authority.

“We have been a part of the River Market community since 2005,” Jonetta Stewart, owner of TheGymKC, said in an email.

“When looking to expand from our original location in Westport, going to the River Market area was a no-brainer. We found a good spot to call home and made it just that for the last 17 years.

“We love the culture and character of the River Market and want to continue being a part of such a vibrant/active community.”

Developer Kyle FitzGerald is pursuing the $2.6 million project and plans to renovate the two-story building for TheGymKC. The building at 407 Grand was built in 1925 and is on the streetcar route.

The redevelopment plan calls for restoring the facade of the 1925 building to its original appearance. (Rendering from PIEA application)

Over the years, the brick and limestone facade of the old building along with its large windows have been covered with stucco and plywood. If the project is approved for tax incentives, work could begin next month and be completed by Spring 2023.

FitzGerald is seeking a 10-year, 100 percent property tax abatement on the increased value of the project from the PIEA. The developer also is seeking $426,000 in state and federal historic tax credits.

According to the PIEA application, the Grand Boulevard facade will once again feature a transom window from north to south, operable garage doors, two pedestrian doors and large storefront style windows with four, 32-lite windows on the second floor.

The developer said the tax incentives are necessary because of the facade restoration and the extensive repairs necessary to stabilize the almost 100 year-old structure.

The plan calls for taxing jurisdictions, including the school district, to receive a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) of $1,868 annually for 10 years. At the end of the incentive period, the project will pay the full property taxes on its new value.

The owner also will continue paying the current annual property tax of $18,000 during the month first 10 years.

TheGymKC is currently located at 200 Wyandotte.

Stewart said TheGymKC expects to open at its new location next spring.

“Having just recently relocated our Uptown location, we already have a plan and team in place to make the transition happen as quickly as possible when the time comes,” she said.

“We’ll be right on the streetcar line and more centrally located in the neighborhood.
We’ll have a private parking lot and tons of public parking right outside our door.”

The gym is open 24 hours, seven days a week for enrolled members. Business hours for tours, new enrollments, and non-members may vary. All tours, new-enrollments, and non-members must call to set an appointment.

“Moving will definitely be a change, but not all change is bad. We are happy we found a great spot right here in the neighborhood we call HOME,” Stewart said in her email.