This man wants to build a bigger and better fitness center on College Street

A long-vacant parcel on College Street Southeast in Lacey is about to see some action.

That’s because Paul MacLurg, who has owned Thrive Community Fitness with his wife, Debbie, for nearly 10 years, has a plan to expand into a new 21,000-square-foot building on that site. His business would occupy 18,500 square feet — 4,100 square feet larger than his current location — and still have room to lease to another tenant.

For MacLurg, who got into the fitness business after a 27-year career as a pastor, said it just makes business sense. Buying and developing his own building means he can better control his costs with a mortgage than he could with a lease, and he needs the space, he said.

For example, MacLurg opened the franchise in July 2008, offering 10 group exercise classes. That has since grown to 55 classes, he said.

MacLurg also wants more room for his weight room and free weights. The new location also will have cardio equipment and an area for children.

The new location means the business will be more visible to a busy College Street as well.

The current location is at 5401 Corporate Center Loop SE in the Crossroads shopping center, but the new site is at 5100 Corporate Center Court SE, just north of a dental practice.

Although he looked at other locations, he ultimately wanted to stay in the immediate area, he said.

The development process is taking place on two fronts. He has applied for a conditional use permit with the city of Lacey, while raising money through traditional means and investors, such as family and friends. He expects to buy the property and begin preliminary site work the same month. The new Thrive is expected to open in 2018.

A woman who was lifting weights at the current location on Thursday asked Paul how long Thrive would be closed while it moves to the new building. He said he expects to complete it “faster than seven days.”

He’s already had discussion about coordinating that move, MacLurg said.

To help him with the development process, he has hired longtime developer Frank Kirkbride, who also is a Lacey Fire District 3 commissioner.

MacLurg said he was drawn to the fitness business because he has always been active, either biking, hiking or climbing, or playing golf and tennis. Similar to his experience as a pastor, he wanted to connect with people and “energize the lives of our members.”

This story was originally published June 30, 2017 at 10:00 AM with the headline "This man wants to build a bigger and better fitness center on College Street."