Changing Times

Famed NYC Limelight Nightclub to Become a David Barton Gym

Credit Joe Architect Flickr

The popular David Barton Gym announced recently that in the fall of 2014 it’s going to move into the Limelight in Chelsea and convert the iconic space into a 20,000-square-foot workout destination. The Church of the Holy Communion and Buildings was constructed in the grand Gothic Revival style back in 1846 by architect Richard Upjohn and fell to a changing city in the 1970s. The former “King of NYC nightlife” Peter Gatien set up shop in the early eighties and Andy Warhol  hosted the opening of the Limelight club in November of 1983. Mick Jagger celebrated his 40th Birthday at the club and performers like RuPaul, Amanda Lepore, and Jay-Z joined bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Nine Inch Nails for exclusive and legendary performances at the intimate and surprising space.

Gregory Nalbone copyright agncypublicrelations
Gregory Nalbone

David Barton Gym is coming back to its Sixth Avenue roots with the relocation in the legendary church-turned nightclub-turned mini mall on Sixth Avenue and 20th. The spacious halls, grand arches, and stained glass will serve as an extraordinary venue for the new David Barton Gym, a brand known for its signature “LookBetterNaked” fitness flare, DJs spinning while gorgeous Chelsea boys lift weights, and look fabulous. Chief Executive Officer Howard Brodsky recently announced the relocation from the famed 23rd Street location into the Limelight building, joining their recent brand addition at Christopher Street in the Archive Building. David Barton Gym is joining forces with Studio Sofield once again to design the gym and turn the Limelight into a fitness mecca, but we hope they’ll maintain the integrity of the nooks, crannies, and the walls we wish would talk during the renovation. Pre-sales for Limelight have already kicked off, with limited-time special rates. David Barton Gym was founded in 1992, with world class trainers, state of the art equipment, and spectacular design.  The gym has locations in NYC, Miami, Chicago, Seattle, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.  Pioneer entrepreneur and fitness guru David Barton himself bowed out of David Barton Gym company in late 2013.  Barton opened the first location in Manhattan on 15th Street and Sixth Avenue before the yoga/pilates/spin class craze fully took off. Joey Arias taught the first class at the original location (an abs class, of course), and stars like Debbie Harry, Gwen Stefani, Susan Sarandon and Marc Jacobs have passed through the doors for fitness, fundraising, awareness and cheer over the years.

Stay tuned with the opening or reserve for the pre-opening membership offer here.

Limelight Interior Photography by Jeffrey James Keyes

Limelight Stained Glass by JJ Keyes16

Limelight Stained Glass by JJ Keyes14

Limelight Stained Glass by JJ Keyes15

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