An Olathe building — formerly Hobby Lobby and Goodwill — has sat empty for four years.
But the 110,000-square-foot space, at 16630 W. 135th St. near North Mur-Len Road, may soon see visitors once again.
New York-based Crunch Fitness is taking steps to open in the former Goodwill space, said Olathe’s communications officer, Cody Kennedy. A few sign permits have been filed, but the project is awaiting further approval from the city.
Crunch had already planned to open its first Kansas City area location soon at 11311 Shawnee Mission Parkway, in a former Genesis Health Club.
In 2002, Goodwill opened in one section of the Olathe building. In 2019, with the lease up and the building needing repairs, Goodwill decided to relocate.
When Goodwill attempted to move into a former Aldi nearby at 16175 W. 135th St. in 2020, the city said no, citing a code that says thrift stores cannot stand within a mile of each other, or within 200 feet of a residence.
The proposed spot was near a Savers, as well as homes in the Briarwood subdivision.