Demolition work has begun to transform the long vacant Rhodes Furniture building along North Fairfield Road into a new LA Fitness complex.

The building is now surrounded by fencing with signs that read “Demolition”. The demolition, however, does not apply to the whole building. For the most part it refers to the removal of the 35 foot high gray metal entry feature and clearing out of the inside.

Please… Fence Me In!
Long vacant Rhodes Furniture on it’s way to become the new home of LA Fitness. Photo © Barhorst

LA Fitness, a national fitness chain, is taking over and renovating the building. The fitness chain plans to give the building a whole new look. The 35 foot high gray metal entry feature that served as the entrance to Rhodes Furniture will be removed. In its place will be a new entry structure with darker brick and glass. Additional windows will also be added along the front of the building to the left and right of the new entrance.


Once complete, the new facility will serve as the company’s entrance into the Ohio market and will stand as the only LA Fitness Center in the state of Ohio. Edwindra Crocker, a representative from Continental Properties, the owner of Beavercreek Plaza, said, “We are excited about this. We think it will increase the overall quality and success for this center.”

During discussion of the plan back in 2007, Planning Commission member Donald Kruszynski said, “I think this is a welcomed fix to that big box that we have there.” Kruszynski was speaking in reference to the building having been vacant for over two years. In November of 2004, Rhodes Furniture filed for bankrupty and closed 26 stores, including the one in Beavercreek. Since then, the building has remained vacant.

L.A. Fitness International, LLC was established in 1984. The stated goal of LA Fitness is to provide members with the widest range of amenities at an affordable price. Clubs offer the usual fitness center package of cardio and strength equipment, free weights and aerobics. Many also offer a variety of sports club amenities including; heated lap pool and spa; full court basketball; racquetball; indoor cycling and personal training. LA Fitness currently has clubs in New York, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland and Ontario, Canada. The company’s website address is www.lafitness.com.