Gray announced BAC’s intentions to move to the corner of Chisholm Street and 3rd Avenue back in November 2024. The official move date for BAC to the new location is set for Jan. 1, 2026.

“We are three months into a six-month project,” Gray said. “Deep in the trenches of construction.”

Gray stated that the new location will feature a wide open floor plan, which will include high ceilings, and “lots of windows for natural light.” The locations will also include weight and cardio machines, free weights, a group fitness studio, and a protein shake bar.

Gray stated that the construction crew has been “making amazing progress.” She explained that the plan is to begin moving equipment from the current BAC location to the new location sometime around the holidays.

Courtesy Photo On Friday, Bay Athletic Club (BAC) members are seen touring the health club’s new location. BAC owner Trina Gray told The News that they plan on opening the doors on Jan. 1, 2026.

Though Gray’s ultimate goal is to turn BAC into a 24-hour fitness facility, that will likely not happen till Spring 2026. Gray explained that BAC will open its doors to the new location the first of the year with its regular hours. She said this will give BAC more time to get the necessary equipment, such as security cameras, before opening 24-hours.

Gray explained that once BAC moves to the new location, the group fitness classes, gym, and locker rooms will follow. They will open with their normal hours before shifting to a 24-hour schedule. At that time, members will have key cards that will allow them access to the gym in the later hours and visitors can purchase day passes that will also allow them access.

She said that there will always be a staff member present during regular hours.

Though moving to a 24-hour schedule will accommodate more members and their schedules, Gray said that the community aspect of BAC will always take precedence.

“BAC was built on community and not hours … the team knows members … our people matter and our experience matters,” Gray said.

Courtesy Photo A rendering of what BAC’s new location will look like once construction is finished.

She explained that her goal is not to turn BAC into a “hotel gym.” Rather, BAC wants to accommodate community members who have odd working hours and can’t fit in a trip to the gym with BAC’s current hours.

Gray stated that the BAC community has been supportive of the move with “healthy skepticism.” She explained that many members of BAC see the health club as their second home, so the move is a significant change.

“I think people accept change in different ways,” Gray said. “Some people are excited … some members are more skeptical.”

Gray said that members who got to tour the new location this past weekend were asking questions as to how BAC will organize the space.

“That tells me people are going to come and are supporting it,” Gray said. “It was fun to give people tours. Every question was about what their routine is going to look and feel like.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.