Planet Fitness renovations nearly complete, location to reopen soon

Since the devastation of Hurricane Helene, many businesses are making their way back to normal operation, with Planet Fitness leading the way in the West Union Plaza.

Meanwhile, some businesses are working to rebuild, while others have found a new home in other locations.

Planet Fitness, which has been closed since the storm, is set to reopen this month, with technicians already installing equipment.

In September, the gym notified members via email that the Morganton club would be closed until further notice, but members were welcome to use nearby locations in Lenoir and Hickory.

Since then, membership accounts are frozen, and no payments have been deducted from customers.

On Nov. 27, members received an email announcing the gym’s planned reopening in December. Maintenance technicians were seen installing tanning beds and equipment, on Wednesday, showing signs of the upcoming relaunch.

Tara Cooke, Operations Support Manger, provided an update.

“We’re hoping to reopen next week,” Cooke said. “Before we can give an exact date, we have to pass inspection.”

According to Cooke, the inspections are scheduled.

Michaela Vallonio, PR and Communications Manager, went over additions and upgrades for the new location:

• All new equipment including a stretching and mobility room with Fitbenches, a functional training room with a PF360, and a full body circuit on the main floor.
• Three new pieces of plate-loaded equipment and two spin bikes will be available for members to advance their strength training.
• Spa will feature a new Total Body Enhancement and CryoLounge.

Although Planet Fitness is scheduled to reopen in December, Cooke said the location has confirmed the official grand open event in January.

The grand opening will take place on Jan. 23 from 5-7 p.m. and will feature Joey Logano, NASCAR driver and partner with Planet Fitness.

Pre-Loved Boutique

Pre-Loved Boutique has officially moved to Fiddler’s Run Shopping Plaza. The store is now open in the former Hibbett Sports location.

Jackson Hewitt

Next door at Jackson Hewitt, members of Best Supply of Charlotte unloaded dry wall into the location.

John Walker, employee of Best Supply, said the company has unloaded nearly 500 boards of dry wall. Walker said the company has dropped off material to other stores in the plaza as well.

Kimbrell’s Furniture

Kimbrell’s Furniture will soon have a temporary home in the Alpine Mill development as they ponder a new permanent solution after Hurricane Helene’s destruction.

Just over two miles away from its original location, the furniture store will be moving into the residential-commercial development, located on East Fleming Drive. An official move-in date has not been announced.

“Kimbrells is locating in 111 E Fleming Drive as they await a permanent solution for their relocation following Helene,” said Virginia “Ginny” Erwin, owner of Airlie Properties.

This company owns the mill along with other properties such as Tannery Square, the Morganton Station, and the building that houses Uncle Eee’s.

The mill is also home to other location businesses like Foothills Family Dermatology and Premium Waters Inc.

Ollies/Tobacco R Us

There was no movement at Ollies or Tobacco R Us. The City of Morganton has a sign on both doors that reads, ‘This structure unsafe.’ There was no one on site to comment about the status of reopening.