David Barton Prepares For the World Beyond NYC

NEW YORK — David Barton will expand his brand empire to open three new boutique gyms: one in the Chelsea section of New York, one in famed hotelier Ian Schrager's Hudson Hotel in New York, and his first ever in Chicago.

The first new David Barton Gym is slated to open this summer at the site of the former McBurney YMCA. This landmark building, in the heart of Chelsea in New York, will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a David Barton transformation.

“Each gym is an original, created in a language that speaks to the locals in that neighborhood. It's an alternative to the commercial chains,” said Barton. “The service is easygoing, yet exceptional. We provide an environment that allows our members to feel at ease in sharing their goals with us, allowing us to then navigate them through the task of achieving those goals. It's relaxed but very focused.”

Barton's next opening will expand beyond Manhattan to include Chicago, where his newest 35,000-square-foot gym is slated to open in late 2004. In 2005, Barton plans to open a gym in New York's Hudson Hotel. The 30,000-square-foot boutique gym will be Barton's second collaboration with hotelier Ian Schrager.