A long-vacant grocery store in Williamsburg is being transformed into a 24-hour gym in the hope of bringing new energy to a landmarked building tied to Brooklyn’s oldest NYCHA development.
Drew Smith and his team at Absolute Power have been working for months to reshape the 21,000-square-foot space, investing up to $750,000 in gym equipment.
Though the building’s landmark status limits changes to the exterior, the interior will be unrecognizable -complete with two levels, art from local painters and amenities including cardio, weights, specialty machines and recovery equipment inspired by the group’s Grand Street and Wykoff Avenue locations.
“The supermarket used to get groceries through there,” said Smith, pointing out an old delivery chute. “We’re going to make this a staircase and have a basement the same size downstairs.
With graffiti-style artwork, space to expand, and high-end fitness equipment, the team says the goal is to create a welcoming place for the neighborhood, especially teens.
“It's going to bring so much positivity,” said Melanie Moldonado, a staff member who grew up next door and used to shop at the store. “And being open 24 hours, walking past you're going to feel safe.”
"It's important that working people can afford these spaces. I had a mom who raised us as a single mother. People need health and wellness, and we want to bring that service here," Smith said.
Trainer Luis Tortoledo said the added space will boost the quality of life and improve training sessions, allowing for sled training and more equipment that could not fit in the other locations.
The new gym will also offer job opportunities for kids in the area, as Smith tells News 12 he got his start as a counter clerk for the original Absolute Power in 1998 before coming back and buying it in 2017.
"It's given me a lot, and kids need that place to go in the summer, get off the streets," he said.
Absolute Power hopes to open the new location by this time next year.
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