A newly acquired retail center along Girard Avenue is gaining new life as a neighborhood gym signs on as the anchor tenant.
Philly Fitness will open a 23,000-square-foot facility at 901 W. Girard Avenue in Philadelphia. The gym is expected to open in early May and will mark the brand’s fourth location in the city.
The lease fills a long-vacant space previously occupied by Bottom Dollar. The grocery store closed in 2015, leaving the north side of the property unoccupied for nearly a decade. Now, the new tenant brings renewed activity and consistent foot traffic to the site.
Abrams Realty & Development acquired the 42,000-square-foot shopping center in November for $11 million. The 2.4-acre property sits at the northwest corner of 9th Street and Girard Avenue. At the time of acquisition, ownership planned to maintain retail use at the site.
This lease aligns with that strategy. In addition, it reflects a broader shift toward experiential and wellness-focused tenants in neighborhood retail centers. Fitness concepts continue to draw daily traffic and support surrounding businesses.
Philly Fitness plans to deliver a full-service experience at the location. The facility will include cardio and strength equipment, a 3,000-square-foot turf area, and recovery-focused amenities. These features include red light therapy, hydromassage stations, tanning beds, and cryotherapy lounge seating.
Meanwhile, the company continues to expand across Philadelphia. Existing locations operate in West Philadelphia, Sharswood, and North Philadelphia. Memberships start at $10 per month, making the concept accessible to a wide range of users.
Abrams Realty & Development remains active throughout the region. The firm owns more than 3 million square feet across approximately 20 shopping centers. Recently, it has focused on repositioning retail assets, including redeveloping select malls into mixed-use town centers.
Overall, the Girard Avenue lease highlights continued momentum in neighborhood retail. Owners are increasingly activating vacant space with fitness and wellness tenants that drive traffic and long-term stability.
*Article courtesy of Philadelphia Business Journal
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