SPOKANE, Wash. — A former Albertson’s building at 37th and Grand has remained empty for four years while MUV Fitness continues to delay construction on a promised new location, leaving members frustrated and neighbors questioning when development will begin.
Some MUV Fitness members say they purchased memberships years ago based on expectations the new location would open soon.
Scott Leadingham, a MUV Fitness member, said the prolonged delay has been disappointing for the community.
“This has been empty for more than three years since the old grocery store moved out and everyone was excited that this was going to be a new thing,” Leadingham said.
Members report that MUV’s other South Hill location previously displayed mock-ups and floor plans of the proposed facility.
“Going back to when I first joined, they had a big sign with all of the floor plans and everything. ‘Coming soon, new location’ right by the locker rooms and over time, that sign eventually went away,” Leadingham said.
According to city permit records, MUV Fitness recently requested another extension on its permit to remodel the building, citing an ongoing ownership team reorganization.
In a statement to 4 News Now, MUV Fitness said, “The South Hill location remains part of our long-term plans, and we’re continuing to move forward through the phases of planning and coordination.”
The extended vacancy has created concerns among nearby residents about the building’s maintenance. John Stine, a longtime Manito resident, said the property needs better upkeep.
“If they could keep it up a little better than it is and get rid of the graffiti that happens every now and then. The parking lot will get to a point where it’s not maintained and it will start cracking up,” Stine said.
Some residents have suggested alternative uses for the property, including tearing down the building to create a park, while others miss having a grocery store in the neighborhood.
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