The ongoing effort to repurpose retail space has a new splash – swim schools. St. Louis-based Echelon Constructors is targeting an early 2023 completion for a new Foss Swim School at the Market at McKnight retail center in Rock Hill, Missouri.
This project comes after the firm recently completed renovating retail space for another Foss Swim School in the Zumbehl Commons retail center in St. Charles, Missouri.
The Rock Hill project is the third built by Echelon for the Minnesota-based swim school operator and will give the proprietor four swim schools in the St. Louis area.
Foss offers weekly classes, swim camps, family swims and other events for children of all ages. It lays out personalized sequence of classes that moves swimmers through a skilled progression that ultimately leads to competent swimming skills.
The project just completed by Echelon at 1916 Zumbehl Road in Zumbehl Commons is emblematic of the overhaul required to repurpose retail space to create a swim school. The site once housed a 23,000-square-foot Ace Hardware store.
Echelon excavated approximately half of the interior space for the four-foot deep concrete pool. This work included lowering the footings and columns and reinforcing the roof to support more robust HVAC systems which cool and provide humidity control. It also includes all new plumbing for water filtration and a drainage system for the pool.
The interior space features a large changing area, restrooms and showers. A glass vestibule leads to the lesson pool which includes an enclosed viewing area with separate environmental controls, allowing families to comfortably watch swim lessons. The view room area is adjoined by a space for registration, swim gear purchases, an office and a separate changing area for staff.
The same features will be found in the new Rock Hill Foss Swim School at 9550 Manchester Road in the Market at McKnight retail center. It will take shape in a 12,000-square-foot space that once housed a Club Fitness. Echelon also transformed retail space to build the Foss Swim School at the Olde Towne Plaza in Ballwin, Missouri.
