ByJeff Kiger
Today at 6:00 AM
Rochester Realtor and developer Jay Christenson is working on a plan to transform a former gym into a sporty business center, combining small professional office spaces with pickleball and basketball courts, a workout center and cold plunges
Christenson plans to soon give the
former J.E.T.S. Gymnastics building
at 2440 Clare Lane NE a major $3 million upgrade and makeover with the help of Rochester architect and CRW Design Group partner Teresa McCormack. The hope is for construction to start this Fall and wrap up at least by early 2027
The 17-year-old gym has been empty since J.E.T.S. closed in 2024. It stands on the corner of Viola Road and East Circle Drive, near Century High School
The idea is to adapt the 22,000-square-foot building into “a wellness-focused workplace designed for today’s professionals.” Christenson, who also operated Loam Commercial Real Estate in Rochester, has been working on this vision for the past two years to bring life back to the 2440 center
“It is a unique building with weird bones. The idea is to enhance it and create something that Rochester has not seen yet, though this concept is gaining popularity in other cities,” he explained
The plan is to add a mezzanine level to create 41 small, furnished office spaces with amenities like access to conference rooms and Internet service. The offices will overlook three pickleball courts, with one being adaptable into a half basketball court. Dance and yoga studio space will also be available. There will be two locker rooms with shower facilities. A sauna plus a cold plunge tank are also in the plans
Christenson sees this concept as filling a variety of currently unmet needs in the Rochester area
“For tenants, it is about time. It is really tough to get a workout or a sauna in, if you have to go somewhere. With this, they could book a pickleball court or go work out before or after work right at the office,” he said. “It will give therapists a place to walk with clients or shoot some hoops during a session.”
The design will also provide facilities for local part-time personal trainers or yoga instructors of basketball coaches to book time for sessions or classes with clients or players
Christenson also plans to rent the court spaces for occasional users on an à la carte basis through an online booking system. He will also have staff on site to help manage the property
He also operates the nearby Thrive Business Center, the
Century Business Plaza,
and other commercial complexes in the Clare Lane cul-de-sac. The vision is for this new project to complement the existing business community in that area
“I think this will be a really nice addition to our portfolio. The idea is to be flexible and useful. I think it will serve a segment that isn’t being served now,” said Christenson
Post Bulletin illustration
By
Jeff Kiger
Jeff Kiger writes a daily column, “Heard Around Rochester,” in addition to writing articles about local businesses, Mayo Clinic, IBM, Hormel Foods, Crenlo and others. The opinions of my employer do not necessarily reflect my opinions. He has worked in Rochester for the Post Bulletin since 1999. Send tips to jkiger@postbulletin.com or via Twitter to @whereskiger . You can call him at 507-285-7798.
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