PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — After years of vacancy, a Northeast Portland property once filled by the Nike Community Store will continue operations as a gym.
Planet Fitness will open at 2650 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. on Tuesday, July 21, according to Easy Mile Fitness — a franchise operator for the national chain. Owners said the opening will bring “fresh momentum” to the neighborhood as different parts of the city experience business closures and a drop in pedestrian activity.
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“This is about more than opening a gym,” Soul District Business Association Executive Director John Washington added in a statement. “This represents confidence in our community. When nationally recognized companies choose to invest in neighborhoods like the Soul District, they create jobs, increase foot traffic, inspire additional investment, and help restore momentum. We are excited to welcome Easy Mile Fitness and Planet Fitness to the neighborhood.”
Nike confirmed the permanent shutdown of the community store in September 2023, months after it had already been closed. The Oregon sportswear giant had previously told KOIN 6 they had proposed to partner with the City of Portland to ensure the safety of the workers and customers at the shop, in addition to other impacted community members…