UALR Chancellor Joel E. Anderson joined civic and community leaders for the grand opening celebration of 10 Fitness University on Monday, June 1.

Dr. Anderson thanked Mosaic Church, which originally contracted in 2006 to purchase the former Kmart facility at the corner of intersection of University and Asher Avenues and Colonel Glenn Road for the purpose of revitalizing the University District.

Renovation of other half of the former Kmart building has already begun, and Mosaic plans to occupy the new space by January 2016.

Mosaic founding pastor Mark DeYmaz said on Monday the church is seeking a tenant for the northeast corner of the facility, hoping to attract a coffee shop or similar type of food and beverage vendor to the area.

“Acquiring the building was certainly a leap of faith for the Mosaic congregation led by Pastor DeYmaz,” Anderson said. “We are glad to have such a highly regarded business as 10 Fitness open here and are certain it will be of great benefit to this community.”

The 40,000-plus square feet of remodeled space marks the fitness center’s ninth location. It is also the largest and most technologically advanced 10 Fitness facility to date, according to owner Eric Buckner.

The facility offers a LEED certified build-out that includes a number of design implementations to make it one of the most energy-efficient building of its kind.

Among the highlights of the new 10 Fitness University location are the newest cardio cinema in the state and a large kids club area, featuring EyeClick active video gaming, Xbox, kids theater, and a kids-only basketball court.

The center will also have a dedicated space for working with the 10 Fitness staff of nationally certified personal trainers, and a well-equipped women’s only room for added privacy and convenience.

“We extend a big welcome to 10 Fitness,” said Ron Copeland, director of the UALR University District. “This facility will be a benefit to the University District and those who work nearby and travel through the area every day.”