Crystal Lake Moves Forward On Deal To Buy Shuttered Health Club Property

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — The Crystal Lake City Council has approved a deal to purchase a long-shuttered health club, but officials have built in an option to walk away from the agreement within six months, according to Shaw Local.

The tentative agreement gives the city time to evaluate the property and determine future redevelopment plans before fully committing to the purchase. Leaders say the move could help revitalize a vacant site that has sat unused for years, though details on its long-term use are still being discussed, according to the article.

The Crystal Lake City Council met on Tuesday to vote on the matter.

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The above information was updated at 3 p.m. on April 23.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE/APRIL 21: The Crystal Lake City Council will vote Tuesday on whether to approve the purchase of three parcels of land, including the former HealthBridge fitness center, in a deal valued at $4.2 million.

Under a proposed purchase and sale agreement with Northern Illinois Medical Center, the city would acquire properties at 200 E. Congress Parkway, 300 Commonwealth Drive and 415 L.T. Memorial Drive, according to city documents. The site includes the former HealthBridge building as well as two nearby vacant parcels totaling more than 14 acres.

City officials say the property could present a unique opportunity to expand public facilities and amenities for residents. If approved, the agreement would allow the city to begin a due diligence process that includes inspections, testing and other evaluations before completing the purchase.

City staff recommended approval of the agreement at the April 21 City Council meeting. If approved, the mayor would be authorized to execute the purchase agreement and city staff would begin the review process before closing, which is expected later this year.

Officials said the acquisition could allow the city to create public facilities that currently do not exist in Crystal Lake while also providing space for additional community uses on the surrounding vacant land.

The property includes the former HealthBridge fitness center building, which previously operated as a large health and wellness facility.

The facility at 200 E. Congress Parkway most recently operated as the Northwestern Medicine Health and Fitness Center before closing in 2022 due to declining memberships, according to Shaw Local.

• Northwestern Medicine Will Close Crystal Lake Fitness Center

Local officials and residents have discussed potential community uses for the roughly 80,000-square-foot facility for several years, including proposals to convert it into a community center, according to mThe Crystal Lake Park District previously explored purchasing the property but ultimately decided not to move forward with the acquisition.

• Park District Will Not Buy Former Northwestern Fitness Center