Genesis Health Clubs, Wichita, Kansas, has purchased both Kansas City-area World Gym clubs for an undisclosed amount, the company announced in a May 31 media release. Twenty of Genesis' 47 health clubs are now located in greater Kansas City.
“We’ve been talking about this for a few years, and the time is right," Genesis owner Rodney Steven II said in the media release. "The former Kansas City Racquet Club has long been an institution for tennis in Kansas City, but it needs a little TLC right now, which is coming very soon.”
The former World Gym clubs are located at 1141 N.E. Vivion Road in Kansas City, Missouri, and 6501 E. Frontage Road in Merriam, Kansas. Steven was interested in both locations because his longtime friend Wade Ferguson owned both and because the Merriam location included a 12-court tennis facility, he said.
The 87,000-square-foot Merriam club will undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation project that includes the addition of new strength and cardio equipment, a cycling studio, basketball court and an indoor pool.
The 31,000-square-foot club in Kansas City also will receive various upgrades to make its amenities feel more like those of a country club, Kansas City Business Journal reported.
“We’ve had huge success over the years finding wonderful tennis facilities that needed a little help and rehabilitating them into world-class health clubs," Steven said in the release. "We just completed a major one at Topeka Wood Valley, and we’re just getting started in Overland Park (Kansas). I can’t wait to show you what we have planned in Merriam. We’re determined to grow and nurture tennis in Kansas City, and this is a major step in that direction.”
Genesis has expanded its Midwestern footprint in recent years with acquisitions of 24 Hour Fitness locations in Kansas City and Omaha. In November 2017, the company made its first foray into Colorado when it acquired Fort Collins-based Miramont Lifestyle Fitness.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time, but it’s time to take a step back," Ferguson, owner of the World Gym clubs, said in the release. "I couldn’t be happier to pass this off to Rodney; his vision for the future of these clubs will make our members and staff very, very happy, and that’s what’s most important to me. Our members can now use many clubs in KC and throughout the Midwest.”
In May 2018, Steven announced Genesis will be the exclusive developer and operator of the Goddard Aquatic Center, Goddard, Kansas, through a new partnership with the city.