VERMILION — Plans for a new Apex Strength Club facility are moving forward at a new Liberty Avenue location after the project shifted from a previously proposed site to a larger parcel farther down the road.
The project, led by owner John Decker, received preliminary site plan approval during the Vermilion Planning Commission’s April 1 meeting for 4345 Liberty Avenue, the former location of Erie Electronics, across from Wendy’s and adjacent to the U.S. Post Office.
Project Snapshot
- Location: 4345 Liberty Avenue (former Erie Electronics site)
- Size: Approximately three acres
- Use: New Apex Strength Club facility
- Status: Preliminary site plan approved
The project would bring a new fitness facility to the Liberty Avenue corridor, adding to ongoing commercial activity along one of Vermilion’s main roadways.
The previously proposed Apex Strength Club site along Liberty Avenue is now listed for sale, according to signage at the property. During the meeting, Decker said he purchased the new property and is selling the previously proposed site.
Why the Site Changed
During the meeting, Decker said the move was driven by the need for a more suitable property after the earlier site required additional adjustments and expense.
He said the new location offers more flexibility, including room for future building expansion and parking improvements. The site also includes existing pavement and access to utilities, which could help reduce development costs.
Parking Plan and Variance
As with the original proposal, the project will still require a parking variance.
City requirements call for 60 parking spaces, while plans currently show 41 spaces at the new site. Decker said usage data from the existing gym shows typical occupancy of around 20 to 23 members at any given time, supporting the reduced parking request.
The layout also leaves room for additional parking if the building is expanded in the future.
Next Steps
The Planning Commission approved the preliminary site plan contingent on compliance with requirements outlined by the City Engineer and approval of necessary variances by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
No construction timeline was confirmed, and additional approvals and final engineering details will be required before work can begin.