Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A well known building in Albert Lea that has sat empty for about six years is getting a major remodel in anticipation of new owners moving in this fall.

Albert Lea’s Anytime Fitness, owned by Shawn and Bill Bromeland, is expected to open in November at the former Sterling Pharmacy building at 410 Bridge Ave. The building, originally constructed for Ben’s Floral & Frame Design, also housed Lakeside Cafe for a period. Sterling owner Astrup Drug Inc. purchased the building in 2013 but then announced in September 2018 it would close.

Shawn said a member of the gym, who is a Realtor, suggested they come and look at the building, and when they did, he asked them if they could envision themselves in the space. The business is presently at Northbridge Mall.

“It felt right, right away,” she said.

She said they liked the building’s high ceilings and large windows that line the front, and the location itself will give them good visibility in the community, which they hope will bring in new clients, Bill said.

The couple, who has owned the gym in Albert Lea for 11 years, said essentially the building has been gutted, and everything down to new walls, flooring and even the HVAC are being put in.

It will incorporate a brand new design from the company’s corporate office, which includes high ceilings and even a recovery room. It will follow instep with Anytime Fitness’s model, which focuses on training, nutrition and recovery.

Bill said there will also be some new equipment brought in to the new space and with the high ceilings, there will be exposed ductwork, giving more of an industrial feel.

The couple said they have learned a lot in the last 11 years that they’ve owned the gym, and talked about how all of the people who they work with become like family.

“When you join we try to pave the way for you — we meet your where you’re at,” Shawn said, noting they try to make things as comfortable as possible, especially for those who are new or returning to the gym.

In addition to themselves at the gym, they have two coaches, Kristin Overland and Jamie Williamson, and an administrative assistant, Emelia Gaudian.

Shawn said they will try to minimize the time that the gym will be closed once the work is complete and they are moving equipment over from their current location at Northbridge Mall.

The couple encouraged people to watch out for good deals in the weeks leading up to the opening at the new location. People who join now will get the summer for free.

“I think this is bringing us forward into a new era,” she said.