The YMCA of the North Shore is in the process of acquiring the Beverly Athletic Club, a deal that will combine the nonprofit with one of the city’s largest private gyms.
The Y will buy the BAC’s 40,000-square-foot main facility on Reservoir Road as well as its express location at Cummings Center, making them part of the Greater Beverly Y’s extended campus.
Greater Beverly YMCA Executive Director Tim Flaherty said the deal will provide the Y much-needed extra space for its members and programs. He said the Y has more than 15,000 members and its parking lot at its Sterling Center facility on Essex Street is often at capacity.
“It definitely meets a critical need for us,” Flaherty told The Beverly Beat.
Flaherty said he expects Y members to have access to the former BAC facilities beginning in early summer.
The Beverly Athletic Club has been owned and operated by Ed Soul since it opened in 2001. In a message to BAC members, Soul said he decided to “begin the next chapter” by closing the business and selling it to the YMCA.
“This was not an easy decision for me,” Soul said. “The BAC has been a very special part of my life for more than two decades, and the community that has grown here means a great deal to me. When I began thinking about what the future might look like, my most important priority was finding the right organization to carry forward what we have built together. I truly believe the YMCA is that organization.”
The BAC facility will be renamed the Edwin J. Soul Center in honor of its founder.
Soul said BAC members can switch their memberships to the YMCA starting tomorrow, with no payments beginning until June 1. They can continue to use the Reservoir Road facility while also gaining access to the YMCA of the North Shore network of seven locations.
“We truly respect what Ed and the Beverly Athletic Club have built in this community and are honored to have the opportunity to add to that legacy,” Chris Lovasco, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North Shore, said in a press release. “Bringing this 40,000-square-foot facility together with our Greater Beverly Y operations creates new opportunities for both BAC and Y members while supporting healthy living in Beverly in ways few communities can.”
The Y said the new location on Reservoir Road will feature new state-of-the-art equipment from Matrix, E-Gym, Hammer Strength, and Life Fitness in an age 16-plus fitness center, while exploring additional holistic health offerings. Members will have access to the warm saltwater pool and specialty classes.
The Y said a purchase-and-sale agreement was signed last month, and the closing is planned for mid-May. The sale price was not disclosed.
Now we have Breaking News, what a deal the Beat is!
I had the privilege of working with Ed Soul when he started the Beverly Athletic Club. A true gentleman and excellent business owner. Thank you for your contribution to our community Ed. Best wishes to you and your family!