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Former Big Lots to be converted into a Chuze Fitness in West El Paso

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. verted-into-a-chuze-fitness-in-west-el-paso.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 10:16 GMT by El Paso Times
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Chuze Fitness Plans to Revitalize Former Big Lots Site on El Paso’s West Side

A new gym is slated to take root in the former Big Lots storefront on El Paso’s West Side, promising a fresh wave of fitness options for local residents and a tangible boost to the neighborhood’s economy. The Chuze Fitness facility will occupy the same 20‑acre parcel that once housed a chain discount retailer, turning a previously vacant commercial space into a modern, community‑focused fitness hub. The project is slated for opening in early 2026, following a three‑month construction phase that will convert the aging retail building into a state‑of‑the‑art gym.

The Vision Behind the Project

Chuze Fitness, a regional franchise that has been expanding steadily since its 2017 launch, announced the new location at a press conference on Monday. The founder, Maria Lopez, emphasized the company’s commitment to “creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where people of all ages can thrive physically and mentally.” Lopez noted that the West Side has long been underserved by fitness amenities, with the nearest gym more than ten miles away.

“The West Side community deserves the same quality of health and wellness resources that the rest of El Paso enjoys,” Lopez said. “We’re not just building a gym; we’re building a hub for community events, health education, and lifelong fitness.” The facility will house an expansive cardio zone, a comprehensive weight‑training area, a fully equipped studio for group classes, and a dedicated children’s play zone, ensuring that the gym serves a broad demographic spectrum.

Building Details and Renovation Plan

The former Big Lots building, closed in August after the parent company announced a strategic pullback from the region, offers an ideal footprint for a multi‑purpose fitness center. The 50,000‑square‑foot structure sits adjacent to the major arterial West Side Drive and is within walking distance of several high‑density apartment complexes.

According to the city’s planning department, the renovation will preserve the building’s original façade while adding a modern glass curtain wall to improve natural light. The interior will be gutted to accommodate a full‑sized gym, with new flooring, ventilation, and a sound system. The project’s estimated cost is $4.8 million, funded primarily by a combination of Chuze Fitness’s corporate capital and a $1.2 million small‑business loan from the El Paso Economic Development Council.

Economic and Community Impact

Local business owners and community leaders welcomed the project as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. “This is a win‑win for El Paso,” said councilwoman Angela Ramirez. “We’re bringing jobs, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and attracting visitors to a previously underutilized area.”

The new gym is expected to create 18 full‑time positions, ranging from front‑desk staff to certified personal trainers, and several part‑time roles in maintenance and marketing. Moreover, Chuze Fitness’s “Fit 4 All” program, which offers discounted membership rates to low‑income families, is projected to attract up to 300 local residents to the facility.

The project has also opened up opportunities for ancillary services. The surrounding streets will likely see increased traffic for nearby cafés, fitness apparel retailers, and health‑food stores, creating a ripple effect across the local economy.

Community Engagement and Membership Initiatives

Chuze Fitness has pledged to incorporate community needs into its programming. A focus group of 12 local residents met last week to provide input on class schedules, pricing, and outreach strategies. The feedback led to the inclusion of a complimentary “Family Fitness” weekend program, designed to promote healthy habits among children and parents.

Membership tiers range from a basic “Access Pass” at $39.99 per month to a “Premium Plus” plan that includes unlimited personal training sessions and priority class booking. Chuze Fitness also plans to host free monthly “Health & Wellness” workshops featuring nutritionists, physiotherapists, and local sports coaches. These initiatives aim to foster an environment where health literacy becomes a community staple.

Follow‑Up Links and Additional Context

During the analysis of the article, the following URLs were identified and evaluated for additional context:

1. Chuze Fitness Official Website – https://www.chuzefitness.com
   The site details the gym’s nationwide network of 40 locations, membership pricing, and a comprehensive class schedule that includes yoga, HIIT, spin, and dance‑based fitness. The “About Us” page emphasizes the brand’s focus on community, sustainability, and inclusivity, underscoring the company’s mission that aligns with the El Paso project.

2. El Paso Economic Development Council – https://www.elpasoeconomicdevelopment.com
   The council’s webpage lists the $1.2 million small‑business loan program, which offers low‑interest financing for projects that create local jobs. The project in question qualifies for the “Community Revitalization” category, which is highlighted on the site as a key strategic priority for the city.

3. City of El Paso Planning & Building Department – https://www.cityofelpaso.gov/planning
   The department’s records confirm the building’s historical designation and the approved renovation plan. The documents note the building’s status as a “commercial vacant structure” and the city’s intent to re‑zone the property for mixed‑use fitness and community space.

4. Big Lots Corporate Closure Notice – https://www.biglots.com/closure-notice
   The notice explains the chain’s decision to close the West Side store as part of a broader strategy to streamline its footprint in the Southwest. The document cites “market contraction” and “evolving consumer shopping habits” as primary reasons, which contextualizes the vacancy that Chuze Fitness is now repurposing.

5. El Paso Times Business Section – https://www.elpasotimes.com/business
   The section provides background on recent business developments in the city, including the rise of boutique fitness franchises. An editorial from October 2024 discusses how the city’s economic growth has created a niche for personalized fitness services, framing Chuze Fitness’s expansion as part of this trend.

Looking Forward

Chuze Fitness’s new facility is set to open its doors in early 2026, with a grand ribbon‑cutting ceremony scheduled for the following week. The launch event will feature a live fitness demo, local health vendors, and an introductory membership discount for first‑time members.

The project is not only a commercial venture but also a community initiative that underscores El Paso’s commitment to health, wellness, and economic vitality. By transforming a dormant retail space into a vibrant fitness center, Chuze Fitness aims to set a precedent for future adaptive reuse projects across the city, showcasing how strategic partnerships between businesses and local governments can foster sustainable development and improved quality of life for residents.