WICKER PARK — After four years of anticipation and one year of construction, Chicago Athletic Clubs is ready to open its seventh club, this one in a converted paper factory in Wicker Park just west of the Milwaukee, Damen and North avenues intersection.
The Bucktown Athletic Club, 2040 W. North Ave., will be the chain's second in the neighborhood, joining the Wicker Park Athletic Club at 1635 W. Division St., which opened in April 2012.
Tours of the 19,000-square-foot club, which include a spin studio and group exercise and strength training rooms, will be available from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, according to the club's Facebook page.
While a "tentative opening date" is set for March 6, there will be an opportunity to try out classes on Thursday, said Elle Lapidus, a membership representative for the chain's West Loop club who will be transferring to the North Avenue location once the club opens.
In addition to the club itself, which spans two levels, there will eventually be apartment rentals available above the clubs and managed by Marc Realty.
Though it's called the Bucktown Athletic Club, the location is actually in Wicker Park, according to to an official City of Chicago Neighborhood map.
Lapidus said, "We have been communicating with the chamber and are happy to be in Bucktown ... or Wicker Park."
"Other businesses in the area go by Bucktown, while some say Wicker Park, Lapidus said, adding that Ald. Joe Moreno (1st) has said “it’s kind of subjective.”
"This new club is the Bucktown Athletic Club, as we do have a Wicker Park Athletic Club. This way we’re also able to show solidarity with the names of other neighborhood businesses on North Ave." she said.
For those interested in joining, membership rates are $69 per month with a yearly membership or $79 per month on a month-to-month plan. As of Thursday, all new memberships include access to the chain's West Loop and Wicker Park club.
According to a flier mailed to local households last week, the enrollment fee is waived through the end of February.
Thursday's preview classes include WERQ, a group dance class using a mix of hip hop and pop rock music from 6-7 p.m., followed by Vinyasa Flow Yoga from 7-to 8 p.m.
Bucktown Athletic Club, 2040 W. North Ave. Ph: 312-850-4668.
