Back in December, the four David Barton Gym locations in Manhattan, including on Astor Place, shut down without any warning to its members or staff.
That prime Astor Place space won't be staying vacant for too much longer. Yesterday, Town Sports International, the owners of the New York Sports Clubs brand, announced that they had bought the 10,000-square-foot space ... which will become one of New York Sports Clubs' collection of Elite clubs.
Here's more from an announcement that arrived in the EVG inbox:
New York Sports Clubs will pay homage to the rich neighborhood culture originally created by David Barton at 4 Astor Place by retaining many of the club's original finishes and signature touches while bringing in a new fresh new wave of equipment, facilities, amenities and class offerings.
The new location at 4 Astor Place will feature several new programs and will also boast Rogue rigs, Woodway treadmills, lifting platforms and expanded training zones.
New York Sports Clubs Elite membership gyms are the evolution of the Sports Clubs brand. This new tier of membership will offer customers a higher level of service, amenities, programming and partnerships as well as providing access to the nearly 150 clubs within the TSI network.
For more information about the Astor Place location, you can visit the official gym website here.
Last month, State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman filed a lawsuit against Club Ventures Investments LLC d/b/a David Barton Gyms
David Barton arrived on Astor Place in 2009.
Used to be my favorite Barnes & Noble.
ReplyDeleteAka were just taking a punt for a bit and too bearish to actually give the place a redesign it needs. There is a bit of a residential vacuum right in this area where the clientele it needs or wants either has a gym in their building, goes elsewhere to Equinox or class gyms, or just wouldn't want to go to a NYSC because its not posh enough. Lighting money on fire. I predict fail.
ReplyDeleteAs opposed to the previous elite gym?
ReplyDeleteNo, dammit. Bring back a bookstore, whether B and N or some other.
ReplyDeleteWill NYSC fix and maintain equipment at the Elite Club or ignore everything like the non elite clubs?
ReplyDeleteWell the NYSC on Ave A is clearly failing, I don't know what made them put it there. Ruined the gorgeous art deco facade for their shitty gym and now all they do is illegally post flyers on everything in the neighborhood advertising a new special every week. Buh bye NYSC, get your corny suburban mall rats outta here.
ReplyDeleteThe first 10 words of their statement summarizes everything:
ReplyDelete"New York Sports Clubs will pay homage to the rich."
I am a member of NYSC and certainly in no way a suburban mallrat. I agree with your analysis of their design and their ruin of the facade on A.
ReplyDeleteBut, a reasonably cheap gym which allows you access to all their locations is something I prefer over the $100+ monthly all-the-frills places.
Man, some of you people are really angry. And on a Friday to boot!
ReplyDeleteSeriously? "New York Sports Clubs will pay homage to the rich neighborhood culture originally created by David Barton at 4 Astor Place by retaining many of the club's original finishes and signature touches.."
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing in this place that pays homage to the neighborhood. This location was a Barnes and Noble bookstore before it was a Barton gym. Before that it was furniture store. Before that...well you get the picture.
I am glad to see that it will not remain empty though.
Anon 2:20 not everyone gets laid as much as you do. Have some pity.
ReplyDeleteAs a NYSC Passport member this is great and better that its isn't a $20 type location like Ave A which is horribly overcrowded [guessing that means its not a failure]
ReplyDelete4:05 I lulzed:) also what about the David Barton in the old limelight? dying to know.....
ReplyDeleteBe advised, once you join New York Sports Club, should you decide or need to quit, they will use every stalling tactic imaginable to delay your departure and keep charging your credit card. Even cancelling the card won't work. It was a nightmare, with hours and hours on the phone until they relented. Buyer beware.ive belonged to gyms in the City since the early 80's and they were simply the worst in this regard.
ReplyDeleteNYSC offers the best value For your money. I've been a member for 10 years and only pay $40 per month and can use any location. Equinox is $300 per month. For that kind of $ I'd better get laid ;)
ReplyDelete