Millennial Makeover

American Fitness, Sept, 2000

PRO Sports Club gets a new look and a new mission for 2001.

Construction is underway for Bellevue, Washington's PRO Sports Club's $25 million expansion. When completed in fall of 2001, the new facility will rank among the top health and fitness clubs in the world, according to Dr. Mark Dedomenico, co-founder and CEO of PRO Sports Club. "What we're creating here is a total environment for a balanced life, Dr. Dedomenico says.

First on the list of planned improvements for the 26-year-old private club is a new underground parking garage that will directly connect to the lobby of the main building through a well-lit covered passageway. Also on the list of changes is a luxury spa designed by international spa consultant Sylvia Sepielli. Modeled after the Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea Resort in Hawaii, the club and spa will rank among the world's best--with its waterfall whirlpool, imported tiles, terme warm baths and 20 massage rooms. In addition to offering ways to reduce stress, the spa will also house a salon, complete with hair styling, manicures and pedicures.

In keeping with its mission as a "total environment for a balanced life," PRO Club has also planned major changes to existing athletic facilities. In the works is a major expansion of the club's sport courts, including basketball (from two to four), racquetball (from five to seven) and squash (from four to nine). The international squash courts will have walls that can be moved to convert them from singles to doubles play. Women, who make up 60 percent of the club's members, will have a women-only gym that includes circuit training and other fitness equipment.

Why the change?

According to Dr. Dedomenico, the answer is simple: members. "All of these changes are the result of suggestions by members," he explains. "We conducted over 40 focus groups and numerous surveys. We listened to our members and designed the improvements to meet--and exceed--their needs."

The planning process took 4 years and several research trips to international destinations, Dr. Dedomenico adds. "We're excited to hear the response from our members about the future at PRO Club," he says. "When completed, this club will be one of the few places in the world where people can truly seek balance in their lives."

PRO Club has 65 physicians who serve on an advisory board for its innovative "20/20 Lifestyles" program. In addition, three registered dietitians, three psychologists, three physical therapists and one physician are available to club members in various programs and capacities. When complete, the club's physical therapy program will include 4,000 square feet of state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment and a therapy pool with an adjustable floor that will be used for post-surgical and sports injury.

In keeping with its philosophy of being a good neighbor, PRO Club is currently making improvements to the neighborhood, adding a much-needed traffic signal on busy 148th Avenue NE and funding a project to synchronize all the traffic lights on that street. Significant improvements to the landscape are also planned.

PRO Club and its owners are involved in a range of philanthropic and civic organizations, including the Hope Heart Institute, Overlake Hospital, Washington Women in Need, Bellevue Schools Foundation, Bellevue Art Museum, the Multi-Service Centers of North and East King County and the Children's Response Center (formerly known as Eastside Sexual Abuse Center). The Club also contributes to osteoarthritis research.

For more information, contact Kathy Norman of PRO Sports Club at (425) 861-6292.