We now have an idea of what the new 6-story addition to Hotel Ballard and the Olympic Athletic Club could look like.
The design from Arizona-based Nelsen Partners would add 49 hotel rooms to the existing Hotel Ballard, plus a brand new Olympic-size pool for the athletic club.
Owner Jim Riggle says the workout space would essentially double, allowing more room for free weights, exercise machines, and training sessions. The new pool would be big enough to accommodate lap-swimming, swimming lessons for kids, and a dedicated family swim area.
The rendering is an early design — Riggle says the colors will be different. He says they’ll aim to tie the new building in with surrounding buildings by using old brick and steel.
Riggle says the parking lot across the street will add an additional 20 spaces, and he’s toying with the idea of adding a new parking structure to accommodate both their hotel guests and club members.
If city permitting goes smoothly, Riggle says they’ll aim to start in 2021 — he wants to have it completed in 12-18 months. Much of the gym will still be usable, although racquet ball will be unavailable during the construction.
“It’s exciting that we have the space to develop and improve the club and offer additional hotel rooms,” Riggle tells My Ballard. “We planned this addition when we built the hotel, so we’ve been ready for it.”
Rendering by Nelsen Partners
![](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-My-Ballard-Tile-Ad-Troop-100.png")
I’m sure the gym will be something that hard-working blue collar families can afford. Not!
What do you care?
So what? Poors will always have the Ballard Health Club, Fit 19, etc.
It ain’t like membership in the best gym in town is a necessity of life.
Poors can live in Commons Park without bathrooms. How considerate.
You’re right, a gym is definitely what those folks need. How could I have been so misguided?
I thought cots and antipsychotics were what the homeless situation calls for, but it turns out that the only thing stopping people from pulling themselves up by their bootstraps has been underdeveloped hamstrings.
elencho…. – totally stupid response.
Stupid responses are par for the course for elenchos2
I know the white privileged class of ballard loves that they don’t have to live with anyone of a different race/socioeconomic class, but a diversity of opinion can actually be beneficial. Try it!
Its called capitalism Elenchos, maybe you’ve heard of it? It’s when a free market economy offers goods and services for a range of prices and individuals decide on their own what to buy.