Sarasota Fitness Center Relocating from Mira Mar to a New Downtown Site

Key Information

• Current Location: Mira Mar building, Sarasota
• New Location: 1956 2nd St., former BB&T building
• Size of New Facility: 12,000 square feet
• Owner: Jefferson Charles
• New Amenities: Infrared saunas, IV therapy, salt and red light therapy, massage therapy, smoothie bar
• Lease Duration: Initial 8 years, with renewal options extending to 20 years
• Opening Date: Early October

Jefferson Fit, a two-year-old gym located in Sarasota’s Mira Mar building, is relocating to a new space in the city later this year due to upcoming renovations at its current location.

The gym will find its new home at the former BB&T building at 1956 2nd St., conveniently situated at the corner of Links Avenue and 2nd Street, directly across from the Aster & Links apartments and Sprouts Farmers Market, just two blocks north of Main Street.

The new facility will encompass 12,000 square feet on the ground floor.

Owner Jefferson Charles notes that this move will facilitate the addition of new services and amenities, previously part of a long-term expansion plan. The renovation plans for Mira Mar accelerated the timeline.

“We always envisioned expanding and enhancing our offerings, but with the building being torn down, it’s the ideal moment to execute this transformation,” says Charles. “With no possibility of extending our lease, we made the decision to proceed now.”

The owners of the century-old Mira Mar received zoning approval to construct two 18-story condominium towers behind the existing structure. Revenue from this development aims to restore the building, which has faced significant structural issues, back to its original grandeur.

The move to the new location will enable Jefferson Fit to incorporate features like additional infrared saunas, IV therapy, a salt and red light therapy booth, and massage therapy.

Members can also look forward to a smoothie bar, alongside an open gym featuring cardio and strength equipment, personal training options, and varied group fitness classes.

Moreover, the new space promises improved visibility due to its prime location and enhanced floor plan.

Charles mentions that finding the perfect new space took about a year. At one point, he even considered operating two nearby locations to better cater to expanded amenities.

Jefferson Fit prides itself on providing both traditional gym services and wellness offerings, opting to unify all services under one roof rather than separating them, which could dilute the overall vision.

“Typically, people travel to multiple locations to meet their fitness and wellness needs, hopping from the gym to various places for yoga or sauna sessions,” Charles explains.

“The concept of centralizing everything under one roof was an obvious choice, which is why we decided to pursue it.”

Jefferson Fit has signed an initial lease for eight years, with options that may extend it to 20 years, according to Charles.

Until opening in the new facility, the gym will continue to operate from its current location at Mira Mar until early October.