Planet Fitness Considering Effingham

A national fitness center might be locating in Effingham.

Planet Fitness is looking at a space in the strip mall that includes Dollar General and Goodwill off Keller Drive. City Administrator Jim Arndt said the firm is not looking at the former K Mart location, but instead an area between Dollar General and Goodwill. Arndt said the area is narrow on the front of the strip mall, but opens up in the back to provide suitable space for the store. He said the chain has submitted plans for the fitness center.

As to the former K Mart space, Arndt said the store owner still has a lease with Sears, the K-Mart parent company, so can take its time in choosing a new business. He said there have been multiple conversations with national and regional retailers. 

Arndt is hopeful of a new occupant later this year or in 2019, but thinks "Effingham will be happy with whoever is the new tenant."