- May 6, 2024
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The facility was once a bustling center of activity and social interaction.
You may see people climbing a rock wall as you drive down West Granada Boulevard one day. The side of the building at the corner of Old Kings Road has a rock exterior, and the new owners plan to turn it into a climbing wall as part of their overhaul of the building that once was a highly popular club, named Omega 40, that had as many as 3,000 members back in the 1980s and early 90s.
Over the years and through a series of different owners, the membership dropped to a few hundred, but the new owners have big plans for the 28,000-square-foot, three-floor facility, which is now Evolution Health Club.
“We want to bring it back,” said Pat Fanning, who is an owner along with his son Ryan Fanning, a fitness instructor and nutrition expert, and Josh Bevilacqua, who has experience in fitness management.
Pat Fanning has been a member at the facility since the 1980s, and Ryan said he “grew up” there.
“It runs deep with us,” Ryan Fanning said.
Pat Fanning said Omega 40 was more than a gym; it was a social club.
“I can’t tell you how many people met their significant other there,” he said. “I met hundreds of people. When you say ‘Omega 40,’ a lot of people get a smile on their face.”
They have formed a corporation and are seeking investors who will be shareholders. Pat Fanning calls it “crowd financing.”
The facility is currently operating with weight rooms, machines, fitness classes, racquetball, physical therapy, etc. but much more will be added.
“We want to be diverse,” said Bevilacqua. He said they want people to find their niche, a fitness activity they really enjoy.
Two examples of new workouts may include “boxing boot camp,” a routine that involves a heavy bag, and “ninja warrior,” a popular new exercise.
They chose the name, Evolution, because they plan to evolve and stay current.
“Health and fitness are constantly changing,” said Bevilacqua.
The site is on five acres allowing outdoor activities in the future, such as volleyball, walking trails and a playground for children. They are bringing back the outdoor cookouts on membership appreciation days and plan to have a vegetable garden for members someday.
Pat Fanning said they want the family atmosphere that the facility had in the 1980s, when people would even have birthday parties. Their slogan is “more than a gym.”
The building was neglected for a long time by previous occupants, and was in danger of being bought and razed for a new development. The new owners have been painting and remodeling since taking over on Nov. 1.
“That’s where teamwork comes into play,” Ryan Fanning said. “Members come up and say they want to help.”
Bevilacqua said people “really care about it” and have donated fitness equipment.
There are rooms on the second floor they plan to rent out as offices for health-related businesses such as acupuncture and massage, adding to the diversity.
“We want to make it a success so we can help the community,” Pat Fanning said.
Building on a legacy
The new owners say they are building on the legacy of Steve Xynidis, who ran Omega 40 in its glory days and was responsible for creating an environment where members felt at home.
“He was an owner that lived the lifestyle of health and fitness and made it fun for all,” Pat Fanning said.
Xynidis acquired amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) in 2008, but continued to take part in activities as long as he could, Pat Fanning said. He played racquetball with his left-hand when he could no longer use his right hand. He could be found all around the club acting as an instructor and cheerleader.
“I’m sure he would like to have his efforts and intentions carried on,” Pat Fanning said. “In keeping with the spirit and good energy that Steve brought to Omega 40, we intend to bring the facility back to life.”
Xynidis died a year ago and his family still owns the property.
