“We’re in the middle of some of the greatest neighborhoods in Chicago, and there are no hotels at all,” said Schwartz, who worked in the hotel industry for six years before joining Midtown, a company launched by his father and grandfather in 1970. It was, he said, the proverbial lightbulb moment. The idea to include a hotel came after ground had been broken, as Schwartz stood chatting on the top floor of the parking garage. Schwartz, who operates eight Midtown clubs, four of which are in the Chicago area, figured the opportunity presented a chance to build a gleaming, 100,000-square-foot fitness center in addition to his 16 remaining indoor tennis courts. “We wanted to diversify.”ĭiversification has come in the form of a handsome fitness center that includes rows of machines, classes galore, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, a boxing studio, a golf course simulator and a restaurant called Chromium that tilts more decadent than health-conscious.Ībove all that, on the top two floors of the five-story building, is the hotel that offers views of downtown and the Kennedy Expressway from one side, and the Damen Avenue Bridge and an old power plant from the other.Ĭosting upward of $80 million, the project is rooted in the city’s plan to reconfigure the intersection of Fullerton, Damen and Elston avenues, which caused Midtown to lose its 15,000-square-foot fitness center and a tennis court. “You satisfy your members more when you offer more,” Schwartz added. Though Schwartz said the tennis club remains profitable enough to operate on its own, “people don’t play tennis as their only source of activity anymore,” he said. The result is the Midtown Athletic Club, which opened Labor Day weekend, and The Hotel at Midtown, which debuted earlier this month. to reinvent itself for a 21st-century audience. “If you’re looking for our bible, that’s it,” said Midtown’s president and CEO, Steven Schwartz.įounded nearly 50 years ago as Midtown Tennis Club, a changing neighborhood, changing city and changing consumer tastes have led the property at 2444 N. You’ll find a slim, 122-page paperback copy of the “Official Rules of Tennis.” Not-So-Secret Sauce:What’s the “special” ingredient of IHRSA events? Joe Moore, the association’s president and CEO, responds in this month's Last Rep.Slide open the bedside drawer in the 55 rooms at The Hotel at Midtown and you won’t find the Bible.Value Proposition: Stealth Detox Performance Water:An “Aha!” moment led to the discovery of water’s potential to care for the human body and the environment.Needs to Move More: IHRSA explores the new Physical Activity Guidelines with lead author Katrina Piercy, in this month's Grow, Promote, Protect. Best Practices:Engagement is key to retention, says Christopher Laurin, of the Quebec Health Systems Group.Personal Invitation: In this month’s First Set, IHRSA Board Chair Jim Worthington invites everyone to Rock ’n’ Roll for Augie’s Quest at the Nashville Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon and 5K.On the Move:Greenwood Athletic runs for charities The EDGE reflects the “Spirit of ADA” Xponential hits seven brands Equinox diversifies in luxury and more club news.First Person:IHRSA 2019 keynote speaker Rohit Bhargava preaches “trust” in the face of growing skepticism.Latin American News: Bluefit boasts 72 clubs in Brazil Fitness 24 Seven expands in Colombia and Smart Fit partners with Go Fit in Guatemala.News : SE Brands acquires Basecamp Fitness a Worthy head for Life Fitness youth inactivity a global crisis Fitness Formula opens 11th facility North Castle bets on Kettlebell Kitchen Latin American News and more.Wellness’ Bottom Line:These programs produce as many benefits for health clubs as they do for participants.Art of the Impossible: The Midtown Athletic Club’s Steven Schwartz has corrected a 56-year-old wrong by going to the House-the Illinois Statehouse, that is.Learn & Grow:All that Chelsea Piers has mastered in the past is reflected in its newest club in Brooklyn.

Ours is, he’s quick to reassure, “the most exciting time there’s ever been.” His address is generously sponsored by Myzone. Eye on the Future:A technology expert and renowned trend-spotter, Chris Riddell will explicate the inexplicable during his keynote presentation at IHRSA 2019.

Midtown steven schwartz