Throughout a year-long process, a redevelopment plan came together to include a $20 million dollar, eight-story addition with a rooftop deck featuring two pools, a bar and a restaurant; 20,000 square feet of new workout space; a ground-level, six-lane indoor pool; and six floors of parking to accommodate 350 spaces.

The building’s aesthetic was designed to incorporate elements of the surrounding Canton community, with a nod toward the industrial history of the site’s location. For example, the building’s façade included materials such as corrugated metal, stainless steel mesh, metal framing, and concrete.

The main level expansion features an indoor/outdoor turf area and an expanded children’s area. Also located on the first floor, off of the workout space, is a new café and lounge, LM Fresh, named after Merritt Companies’ founder Leroy Merritt.

The new entrance features modern finishes, tall ceilings and plenty of sunlight. The new café offers televisions and a variety of menu options, including several pre- and post-workout smoothies, grab-n-go meals and a full bar. This area is intended to be a place where members can relax before or after a workout, meet and socialize with friends, and take care of some work through the use of complimentary wifi access.

Another impressive element is the indoor turf area, approximately 75’x30’, which features gorilla bars. Located above the turf, the gorilla bar system runs 65’ long with an elevation change from 7’6” to 11’. This area is always active and provides many opportunities for new and innovative workouts. This area includes over 60’ of glass garage doors that can open to an outside turf space. 

On the rooftop, glass panels were installed around the perimeter of the 25,000-square-foot rooftop deck, providing unparalleled 360° views of Baltimore, and a full-service kitchen and bar was also added. In addition, elevator service provides convenient access from the parking garage and club to the rooftop.

As described in an article by The Baltimore Business Journal, “The deck is visible from both Boston Street and from Interstate 95 as the eight-story tower took its place on the skyline this spring. It has a large open space with outdoor games, colorful lounge chairs and umbrellas, six cabanas that rent and a bright orange slide for extra splash fun at the kid's pool. The deck has room for 300 patrons and soon will have an entertainment area with two fire pits. The bar is tucked in one corner facing East Baltimore and offering a sweeping view of the city alongside craft brews and casual fare like sandwiches and salads.”