Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation Announces Wellness Center in Dexter

Plans to construct a 46,000 square foot wellness center in Dexter took a big leap forward on Friday.

The Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation (CWF) signed a lease with BST Investment to operate a wellness center at 2810 Baker Road.

The $9 million wellness center will include a pool, saunas, gymnasium, strength and aerobic equipment, massage area, and workout rooms.

Amy Heydlauff, executive director of the CWF said the wellness center is a welcome addition to the Dexter community.

“A feasibility study in Dexter demonstrated pent-up demand. The Chelsea Wellness Center has nearly 200,000 visits per year. We know those visits positively impact the health of our 3,500 Chelsea Wellness Center members," she said. "Dexter demographics suggest we will have at least as many annual visits in Dexter and that amounts to a huge impact on the health of residents.”

Heydlauff said the addition of a gym demonstrates CWF’s commitment to making the Dexter Wellness Center more welcoming for families.

"Architects cleverly designed separate space for child care as well as child and family focused activities," Heydlauff explained. "Even the youngest children will find themselves in a facility that encourages healthy behavior. At the same time, there is plenty of space for adult-only workouts and classes."

In addition to the Dexter Wellness Center, there will be a physical therapy practice in the building. Medical Rehabilitation Specialists will occupy 2,000 square feet in the same building.

“We will continue our commitment to medical integration,” Heydlauff said. “We plan to support each other in our efforts to improve wellbeing.”

Final site plan approval for the wellness center was granted in February by the Dexter Village Council, and construction is set to begin in the fall.

"Best case scenario is a summer 2013 opening. We’re relatively certain the facility will be open by fall at the latest," Jeff Hardcastle, chairman of the CWF said. “Of course weather plays a role in construction.”

Dexter Village Council Trustee Paul Cousins, a member of Dexter’s Wellness Coalition, has high praise for the project.

“I can hardly decide what makes me happier: the potential impact on our health; the proximity to the schools and family focus; or the improvement in our village by getting rid of old industrial buildings. I think this will have an impact broader than Dexter, too," he said. "We’re part of something important here and in our surrounding communities. It’s wonderful.”

Pre-opening memberships will be available and will be announced as soon as the opening date is announced.

“In addition posting the plans, if we can get the technology to work we’ll have a streaming video of construction posted, too,” said Matt Pegouskie, program and community resource manager for CWF. “That way everyone can keep track of our progress.”

Dexter Wellness Center architectural plans are available online at www.5healthytowns.org.