Ridgewood residents looking to stay in shape may soon be able to get in their workouts at a former movie theater.
Community Board 5 is reviewing plans for the creation of a “physical culture establishment” (gym) on the lower levels of the former Ridgewood Theatre, located at 55-27 Myrtle Ave.
The building’s owners are seeking a special permit from the city’s Board of Standards and Appeals to open the gym on portions of the first floor and cellar. Sources familiar with the application told QNS that it will likely be a Blink Fitness location occupying 14,138 square feet of space.
Blink Fitness has six other locations in Queens; on its website, the fitness chain boasts of providing customers with a “feel good” experience featuring motivated, friendly trainers and music geared toward keeping you motivated and moving.
According to Community Board 5 District Manager Gary Giordano, the application notes that between 5,500 and 6,500 regular members are expected to join the Blink Fitness Ridgewood location, with as many as 550 to 650 member visits each day. Most of the members will likely be individuals who either live or work in the Ridgewood area.
The gym’s projected hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. It’s also estimated that 30 employees will work shifts at the new gym, Giordano added.
Over the last decade, the former Ridgewood Theatre — featuring a landmarked facade — has been transformed from a five-screen moviehouse into a five-story, mixed-use building. The owners created 50 apartments on the upper floors, offering them for rent last year at sky-high prices.
The transformation also included a new retail space on the ground floor and cellar, but its future has been long debated. Some in the community had wanted to see the space used as a performing arts venue where local artists could showcase their talents.
Board 5 members will review the gym application during a public hearing at its next meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday night, Dec. 13, in the cafeteria of Christ the King High School, located at 68-02 Metropolitan Ave. in Middle Village.
