Strength club project shifts to new site

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. VERMILION — Plans for an Apex Strength Club facility are moving forward at a new Liberty Avenue (U.S. 6) location after the project shifted from a previously proposed site to a larger parcel farther down the road. The project, led by owner John Decker, received preliminary site plan approval during a recent Vermilion planning commission meeting. Going forward, it's slated to be built on a 3-acre site at 4345 Liberty Ave. It's the former location of Erie Electronics, across from Wendy's and adjacent to the city's U.S. post office branch. The previously proposed Apex Strength Club site along Liberty Avenue is now listed for sale, according to signage at the property. During the meeting, Decker said he purchased the new property and is selling the previously proposed site. Decker said the move was driven by the need for a more suitable property after the earlier site required additional adjustments and expense. He said the new location offers more flexibility, including room for future building expansion and parking improvements. The site also includes existing pavement and access to utilities, which could help reduce development costs. Apex Strength Club will be "centered around bodybuilding, strength and fitness at the highest level — built for those who live and breathe this lifestyle," according to a company statement. Its Facebook page also indicates it'll offer a sauna, smoothie bar and cold plunge facility. No construction timeline was confirmed, and additional approvals and final engineering details will be required before work can begin.