Upscale Gym Planned In Elmhurst After All, Replacing LA Fitness

ELMHURST, IL – LA Fitness, one of Elmhurst's biggest gyms, closed Aug. 23 as its parent company started renovating for the more upscale Club Studio.

Over the summer, city records revealed Fitness International's plan to convert the fitness center at 620 N. York St. into the new brand. The renovation was estimated to cost $3 million.

In mid-July, though, LA Fitness employees answering the phone said the conversion was no longer in the works.

Now, a sign on the front door remains on the front door that informed the public that the gym would close Aug. 27. The closest LA Fitness is at 1421 W. Lake St. in Addison, an eight-mile drive.

Club Studio has 26 locations around the United States, mostly on the East and West coasts. None are in Illinois, but one is planned in Wilmette and three in Chicago, according to the Club Studio website. The chain appears to target wealthier areas.

Club Studio is considered a "premium subsidiary," with more costly memberships. A Club Studio membership gets someone unlimited access to all LA Fitness locations. But it doesn't work the other way around.