OPN provided conceptual design services for Iowa-based fitness franchise Aspen Athletic Clubs’ new Ankeny facility. Located in a vacated grocery store, the design takes advantage of the existing high ceilings and natural light while working to provide a dramatically different customer experience through branding, color, and use of materials.
As a franchise, it was important to Aspen that the Ankeny club retains many of the same characteristics as other locations to reinforce the company brand as a premier health club. The OPN team worked with the client to challenge the way the company’s business model was driving the design of the space. The typical sales stations are eliminated in favor of a modern yet warm and welcoming lobby area, located directly off the fitness floor, serves as space for members to relax or socialize as well as a comfortable location for membership sales.
The fitness floor culminates in a glass-front group fitness room and an adjacent wood spa area. The fitness floor provides a transition from the typical space of cardio equipment and weight machines to a more spa-like stretching area that sits in front of the spa room.
Every wall surface has been thoughtfully designed; mirrors, super graphics, color, and branding serves to create an open, active, motivational fitness environment.