The fate of the West Seattle Health Club (also known as All Star Fitness and later as West Seattle Athletic Club) has been up in the air seemingly for years with a succession of owners who could never seem to make it work. The legal issues that followed those business problems dragged on so long people thought the facility might close forever.

But that's not the case. In fact now, after a million dollar makeover, the massive athletic complex is not only back but is built for the future and focused on building strong bridges with the community.

The building owner, John Pietromonaco is also now the owner of the business and has assembled a team of industry professionals to run it. At the top is operations VP Dan Lehr who said that the investment in new equipment and facility improvements and repair has been major. Lear has been in the industry for more than 25 years.

"We knew when we came in would have to rebuild our reputation and that started with putting good staff in place," said Lehr, " and for the most part we had the nuts and bolts of what we needed. We kept all the key players that wanted to be here and let everybody else go."

On the facilities side, "There was probably 10 to 12 years of deferred maintenance with a lot of things broken. We came in and re-did the entire pool area, from new HVAC systems to new pool equipment, new steam room generators, resurfaced the jacuzzi, painted the entire pool area and revamped it all soup to nuts." Also new is a CO2 filtration system which is more expensive that conventional acid based systems. It reduces the need for chlorine and subsequently the odor, plus it's more energy efficient.

The company has put a large emphasis on new exercise gear as well spending nearly $750,000 on all new spinning bikes, Cybex cardio and strength gear, Sci-Fit circuit training gear, new free weights, new platforms, and cable cross overs.

From a low point of zero members when the last owner left in October they have built the membership to around 3100. But their capacity for the 56,000 sq. foot facility is more than double that, so they are seeking new members now.

They have joined the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and are doing some advertising, plus doing outreach to local businesses.

The company is currently employing over 60 people and will add more as the Cafe is built.

So for those seeking better health the club offers swimming, spin classes, free weights, circuit training, Zumba, yoga and much more. "We definitely are branching out and want to offer more in the wellness services," said Lehr, "plus massage therapy, some spa services and we are building up our personal training program. We have a big functional training and fitness area and we are talking to a group working on physical therapy." Lehr also mentioned that they have a "Women's only fitness area" which is not found in many clubs now.

A seniors program is coming and the daycare facility in the club is up and running.

Additionally a business conference area is being added for members with Smart TV included.

The health club is planning a Community Open House and Member Appreciation event on June 6 and June 7. Everyone in the community is invited to come in and work out for free those two days. A number of West Seattle business sponsors will be taking part including:

• Capers
• Angelina's Restaurant
• Cupcake Royale
• Husky Deli
• West Seattle Wellness
• Luciano's Pizza
• Elliott Bay Brewery
• Easy Street
• Jan's Beauty Supply
• Seattle Logo Pro Screenprint
• South Seattle College Wine Program
• B Well Live Well
• Chico's (Westwood Village)

During the open house they will feature a Fashion N Mimosas event on Sunday June 7th at 1pm in their Group X studio. Clothing provided by Chico's in Westwood Village.

New in the building will be a cafe with healthy food offerings like salads and sandwiches and possibly beer and wine on site in the near future.

"My job was to create a new culture," said Lehr, "one of support, respect and accountability. That's what we've instilled here. It's really simple. That's what creates the entire vibe in the club."

You can reach the West Seattle Health Club at 206-566-3280. The address is 2629 SW Andover St. Find them on the web at http://www.westseattlehc.com/