By Mike Hazlip–
Following its closure nearly four years ago, the former Hometown Buffet location in Citrus Heights has remained dormant. But that will be changing, according to the shopping center’s property manager.
Dan Chiavario, principal/director of operations for Strategic Asset Management Group, which manages the Copperwood Square shopping center in Citrus Heights, told The Sentinel in an email Wednesday that Planet Fitness has signed a new 12-year lease for the site, which includes expanding its current location in the center to include the former buffet location.
Chiavario said the fitness center has planned a complete remodel that will include a “Black Card” area, which typically offers additional amenities, such as massage chairs and discounts. He said the additions will make the gym “the nicest one in Citrus Heights.”
Becky Zirlen, spokesperson for Planet Fitness, told The Sentinel in an email Thursday the timeline for planned improvements has been pushed back because of the impacts of COVID-19. Zirlen said she didn’t have a firm timeline for when the expansion project will take place.
The New Hampshire-based fitness corporation has more than 2,000 locations and 14.4 million members globally, according to a news release on the company’s website. The gym’s Citrus Heights location has been closed since mid-March due to COVID-19 restrictions, according to a notice posted on the front door.
Chiavario said his management firm is working with tenants who have lost income due to economic shutdowns on a case-by-base basis.
The shopping center is located on Sunrise Boulevard near Sungarden Drive, and is also home to FoodMaxx, and several restaurants and other businesses. Upgrades for the center slated for completion this year include new LED lighting for buildings and the parking lot, as well as upgraded landscaping, pylon signage, and pavement resurfacing, according to Chiavario.
Also planned at a separately owned parcel adjacent to the shopping center is a new 7,759-square-foot retail building at the site of a former bank building that was demolished earlier this year.
According to Dan Goalwin, director of architectural services for Barghausen Consulting Engineers, Inc., the project “is proceeding ahead.” On Sunday he said a construction start date is still to be determined.
Related: New retail plaza, drive-thru approved at former bank site on Sunrise Blvd
