In its prime, the Sovereign Hotel played host to many celebrities and monarchs alike. The Duke of Windsor, Charlie Chaplin, the King of Denmark, Al Capone, and the Andrews Sisters were among some of the hotel’s more famous guests. Even Johnny Weismmuller, former Olympic swimmer and star of the epic 1932 film Tarzan, was a lifeguard at the hotel’s swimming pool during his teenage years.

The ballroom alone, one of only three domed ballrooms left in Chicago, is filled with so much history and nostalgia it’s palpable. When you think of all that went on in that room, the fights, the deals, the stolen kisses, it’s hard to imagine how a place that was once so decadent is now a thriving full service fitness center. Welcome to the Edgewater Athletic & Swim Club, owned and operated by Derek DeLapp.

From humble beginnings to a promising future

While a health club, swimming pool, and ballroom have always been a part of the Sovereign Hotel building, they were in pretty bad shape when Derek acquired the facility.

“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I saw an opportunity to live my dream of building a health club that was a perfect fit for the people and history of this neighborhood,” remembers Derek.

Derek is no stranger to tough challenges. He played rugby in the Bronx, NY for ten years and was a member of the under-25 US national team.   He then began playing in and around the Chicagoland area for some of the most coveted and widely respected teams in rugby before turning to the field of personal training.  Given his fitness background and highly competitive nature, Derek was primed to take on the challenge of redefining the opulent atmosphere of the Sovereign Hotel to the supreme fitness club called Edgewater Athletic & Swim Club.

Starting with a mere 500 square feet of usable space the metamorphosis began. “We found that the original marble flooring, elegant light fixtures, and most of the natural aesthetics had been covered up or painted over,” says Derek.

He then moved on to the daunting task of transforming the remaining 10,000 square feet in an immaculate workout area—at the center of which is the ballroom, restored to its original magnificence. After the extensive rehab and restoration process, the health club was reborn. 

It is the pride and joy of the Edgewater Athletic & Swim Club—a stark contrast considering what once accommodated some of Chicago’s most exclusive high-society parties, is now the setting for a premier fitness center.

In addition to restoring the ballroom, Derek also did a makeover to the original swimming pool. It is now a Junior Olympic-sized lap pool and water exercise area, complete with sun deck, lounge, steam room, and whirlpool. Other fitness amenities were added such as a group exercise room, one-on-one personal training services, day spa, and chiropractic services.

The perfect partner

Seeing that this was Derek’s first health club venture, he faced many hurdles; limited capital, unique floor space, small advertising budget, and a skeleton staff to name a few. Derek needed a partner that understood what he was up against and knew how to build a successful plan.

With Life Fitness’ assistance, Derek selected equipment based on the diverse member base he expected to attract. Life Fitness created 2D facility layouts to determine the best equipment location within the ballroom. And as a team, they figured out how to stretch Derek’s budget so that he could fill the club with the kind of equipment that not only would attract new members, but keep them coming back as well.

“Money was tight, but I knew I shouldn't cut corners on equipment. Life Fitness worked within my budget, putting together lease rates and flexible financing terms so I was able to obtain the equipment I wanted. Even though I am small fish, Life Fitness treated me like a big client,” adds Derek.

The royal treatment

Having been familiar with Hammer Strength equipment from his personal training days, Derek purchased full lines of the plated loaded and MTS machines. In addition to Hammer Strength equipment, the Edgewater Athletic Club is decked out with Pro2 selectorized strength, a Cable Motion Dual Adjustable Pulley, Life Fitness treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers, and Lifecycle® exercise bikes. Derek also has a couple of other brands of equipment in his club, but is quick to mention the familiarity and appeal of the Hammer Strength and Life Fitness brands.

“When the Life Fitness and Hammer Strength equipment arrived in boxes, people started coming up and asking questions about the club. In fact, I sold six memberships that day, even before we were officially open—just because people saw the logos on the boxes,” Derek proudly states.

Derek’s reputation as a stellar personal trainer and all around nice guy helped him attract 800 additional memberships in the club’s first year. Today, the club is rich in diversity and prosperity. The membership is a melting pot of different nationalities, ages, genders, and professions. And because the club is smaller and located in such a tight knit and historic community, people enjoy the personal attention they receive and the storied past of the club. Members feel as though they are getting the royal treatment every time they visit. In a world of health club chains and mega fitness facilities, Edgewater Athletic & Swim Club truly is one of a kind. Life Fitness is proud to be its fitness solutions provider.