The new River Oaks District has landed designer stores, a cinema complex and upscale restaurants. Soon there will be a luxury gym to work off those calories.
CultureMap has learned that OliverMcMillan, the California-based real estate development firm that is developing the 14-acre mixed use complex on Westheimer inside the 610 Loop, has landed Equinox, the New York-based luxury fitness chain known for cutting-edge exercise and racy advertisements.
The Houston Equinox will encompass nearly 35,000 square feet on two floors in an office building at River Oaks District.
The Houston Equinox will encompass nearly 35,000 square feet on two floors in an office building at River Oaks District. It will offer a broad range of fitness, nutrition and health classes, including branded strength and cardio training, group fitness, with classes in pilates, barre, martial arts and yoga, and personal training.
The chain, whose sexy ads have drawn a storm of controversy, is a pioneer in the upscale fitness industry. It recently introduced an iOS mobile app, allowing members to track their nutrition and fitness goals when on or off site.
The Houston Equinox will also include a full-service spa, offering massages, facials, manicures and pedicures.
The company operates 73 clubs in the U.S., including two in the Dallas area. It has been on a buying binge recently, acquiring Sports Club/LA properties in five cities and Reebok Sports Club/NY. In 2011, it acquired a majority interest in SoulCycle, with a rabid following among celebrities in New York and Los Angeles.
River Oaks District has previously announced that it has landed such major retail tenants as Cartier, Dior, Hermès and Tom Ford, along with an eight-screen luxury cinema from iPC Entertainment.
The first phase of the complex is scheduled to open next year.
An Equinox ad campaign launched earlier this year has attracted a lot of attention.
