Haines chiropractor Dr. Chris Thorgesen has purchased the former Elks Lodge building on Main Street and plans to transform it into a fitness center. He hopes to open in May.
A board-certified chiropractor from Salida, Colo., Thorgesen has opened offices in Haines and Skagway since arriving here in October 2013.
In an interview this week, he said his interest in opening a gym originated from concern about his patients having limited options for exercise, as well as public interest in a gym and his own desire to have a place to work out.
Thorgesen, who will keep his current office at Third Avenue and Main Street, said he’d also like to help revive downtown.
“I read the (Chilkat Valley News) article on the ‘Ghosts of Main Street’ and started looking at property. A lot of people want to get Main Street up to par, and the building has the right layout for a gym.”
The 5,000-square-foot property sits at Sixth and Main.
Thorgesen said the building requires a lot of work, including overhauling electrical and the connection to the water main. The power and water are not in yet, and there are smaller issues to contend with, including a leaky roof and broken window.
The structural features that most excite Thorgesen are the big space, concrete floors and parking availability.
The construction and opening of the fitness center will occur in three phases, dependent on interest and membership support, Thorgesen said.
Phase one will feature free weights, cardio and cable equipment. A second phase will include a steam room, jacuzzi and locker room. A final phase will be a juice and smoothie bar and a children’s play area.
He’s still considering uses for the building’s upstairs.
The fitness center will be open to the public 24 hours, using a punch code door lock. A fee structure is currently being determined.
Thorgesen’s chiropractic practice currently employs 13 people. He anticipates initially using his employees to work at the fitness center and then adding at least one position to run classes and the smoothie bar when the second phase is complete.
Thorgesen said he examined the financial feasibility of the business. “One side of the numbers you never know is (numbers) of memberships.”
Thorgesen said the public response to the idea has been positive. “Everybody has said, ‘Great!’ We’ll see when the time comes for membership.”
Challenges Thorgesen anticipates include shipping exercise equipment and paying heating and electric bills.
All of the equipment is coming from the Lower 48. Thorgesen said the first shipping estimate was $16,000.
Once the gym opens, Thorgesen is most looking forward to having a gym to go to. A former college wrestler, he said he’s had a long term interest in fitness.