Thursday, October 22, 2009

Salvation Army building finally opens

This morning was the grand opening of the Solomon G. Brown Corps Community Center at MLK Avenue. Although its exterior design has proved controversial in the neighborhood, it really does look great inside and seems like it should be a good addition to Anacostia.


the monstrous ... or beautiful building, depending on your perspective on those sorts of things


the front lobby - accessible from both the parking garage and MLK

The ceremony was held on the 3rd and 4th Floors in the main sanctuary / meeting room, which makes up the slanted portion of the Morris Rd / MLK facade.


looking down from the 4th floor balcony


yes, there was actually an audience. Here a member of the design team is showing off the complicated ceiling

Ahh, the penthouse. The best part. Killer views and even a "walking track". Kind of funny to imagine people just walking along this red figure eight ... but hey, go for it.


the red eight, and the cinder blocks that don't look all that great


Yep. We have good views. Come on over.

The 5th floor is dedicated to Spirit Health and Wellness, which is actually a really nice gym. Spirit will be opening on December 2, and will be open from 5AM - 10PM weekdays, with slightly adjusted weekend hours. Includes aerobics room, nice locker rooms, and an impressive array of bright clean new equipment.




tons of treadmills, elipticals, and bikes, with TVs AND inspiring views


the free weight section

So yeah. Check it out. Sometimes it's easy to complain that most of the new development here has been in the form of public-use type buildings: community centers, schools (not complaining), libraries, etc. But these are the foundational things that are starting to really bring Anacostia into the Now / Future we all want. I'll give a woot to that.

19 comments:

Unknown said...

wow is the fitness center FREE..If so I want to use it

David Garber said...

it won't be free - but I'm pretty sure it will be less expensive than places like WSC and Results...

Anonymous said...

Clarification: Spirit Health and Wellness, a gym on 5th floor. Do you know of their website with Membership / Class information? Are they open now for a pre-view?

I ask because Google has nothing relevant about the gym or Salvation Army announcment of the Center opening. The Salvation Army is known to have a heavy Religious Slant, I'd be concerned if the slant carries over to the entire facility and affect Gym membership.

Thanks,

Roger

David Garber said...

they will have a website up soon - I don't think it's live yet.

For now, call them at 202-678-9775 for more info.

I'm confident that religious views won't have much relevance when it comes to gym membership.

Eden said...

I passed the banners while I was walking to work today and thought, "are they new or did I just miss them before?" But then I called this afternoon and learned that for the gym it's a $39 enrollment fee and then $19 per month. Nice machines! And so close to home!

ANACOSTIA RIVER REALTY said...

This is so cool! I can't wait to visit. Judging from the pics the place looks really nice.

Urban Architect said...

I'm a little disappointed they didn't do a better job advertising the opening. I live right up the street and heard about it after I posted a blog on why it was still closed. Glad to hear there is a gym, and that it's open until 10pm. Perhaps that will help bring the foot traffic necessary to get businesses to stay open later..or perhaps new businesses to come in. would be cool if the ground floor had some kind of food establishment where people could go after working out....etc...really liven up the street. But I'm excited just the same, that the building is finally open and looking great on the interior.

David Garber said...

i actually do have Some ground floor tenant news but I need to do some more research before posting. non-traditional retail.

Unknown said...

This is great news. I can't wait. Does anyone know when they officially open?

Tommy said...

so fantastic!

Though I can't use it, it is really a good place for exercises, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Dale Banks said...

This is awesome! I have a Bally's membership but will let it expire. I live at 16th and W.

Anonymous said...

The grand opening of the fitness center will be on Wednesday, December 2nd so they are not open just yet, but are enrolling new members at this time. The phone number to the gym is 202-678-9775.

Anonymous said...

Not free, worked out this Saturday, very nice. 39.99 for the first month, that includes membership. $20 each month from then on. Don't know if that prices is exclusive for Ward 8 residents, maybe more for others. check it out.

Sariane Leigh said...

Such good news. But where is the advertisement? This goes so well with the Yes! Organic news..

http://anacostiayogi.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

About the ground floor retail space. When they were still in the design phase we were talks about having a healthy eatery there. They are only looking for a vendor to bring in outside food. Nothing made to order.

Dani Tucker said...

No it's not free but the membership is very low - only 29.99 a mont. Also the classes can be free if you take 4 or more a week, make sure you feel out your registration - the Doctor's office inside the gym has insurance that covers the classes for us. Really cool.

We have Zumba's on Tuesday's (My favorite). Jazzercise on Saturday's (My favorite) and we also have African Dance (Monday's) Tai Chi and Yoga (Tuesday's and Thursday. Kick boxing and Self-defense (Thurs & Fri).

WE love our new Gym. Parking is not that great, it is what it is the Southside, you not comfortable parking and walking on the Southside you will not like it. But it's all good - check it out you will like it.

Kara C said...

Just took a tour today with my co-worker & we signed up. The facility is great a lot better than I expected..FYI they also have an on-site doctor & various wellness services. The doctor is FREE as long as you have insurance. They have a variety of classes & personal training sessions are available. Looking forward to being a gym rat here :)

Unknown said...

@karac

Thanks for the update..I'm going to stop by and check it myself. I can't wait to join. !!!

Elle @ (Eat.Style.Play) said...

it's about 19 bucks a month i think. and 10 to walk in. I can't wait to joint.