From Cluttered Past to Community Wellness: Transforming an Apartment into a Fitness Space
04 April 2025
Adaptive reuse isn’t always about grand historic buildings—it’s about seeing potential where others see limitations. In today’s project, we were tasked with evaluating a sponsor-owned apartment in a residential building after its longtime tenant, an elderly resident, passed away. The unit had been left in a severely neglected state, filled with years of accumulated belongings. Rather than simply restoring it as another rental, the building ownership saw an opportunity to enhance the property’s amenities by converting the space into a fitness center for residents.
At Mayta + Sebastian Architecture DPC, we led the transformation by analyzing multiple potential units to determine the best one for conversion. Our team carefully assessed layout feasibility, HVAC and exhaust system upgrades required for a gym, and the overall impact on the building’s infrastructure.
Our Approach:
🔹 Strategic Space Planning – We compared two available units to determine which was best suited for conversion into a gym while preserving the other for rental or resale.
🔹 Systems Upgrades – A key challenge was adapting residential HVAC and exhaust systems to meet the ventilation and climate control needs of a gym environment.
🔹 Full-Service Design – From lighting and finishes to space layout and branding, we designed an open, inviting gym featuring a dedicated yoga room, cardio area, and strength training zone.
🔹 Seamless Execution – As the building’s architects, we provided comprehensive documentation and coordination to ensure a smooth renovation process.
This project is a testament to how adaptive reuse can enhance community spaces in meaningful ways. By converting an underutilized unit into a wellness-focused amenity, the building now offers residents a modern, purpose-driven space that adds long-term value.
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