Luxury fitness company, Equinox has signed a lease with Hudson Pacific Properties Inc. to occupy a space at the First Financial Plaza property in Encino. John Klein, vice president of real estate for Equinox, confirmed the company recently signed a lease for the property, located at the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Balboa Boulevard. He said the company was currently pursuing city approval on plans for the new space, but declined to comment further. In Hudson Pacific’s third quarter earnings report, the Los Angeles based- company announced the 20-year lease on the 29,898-square-foot fitness facility is scheduled to commence at the end of next year, upon completion of a build-out. According to public documents, the new Equinox will employ 50 full-time positions and 60 part-time positions and focus on local hiring. The fitness chain, which currently has only one Valley location, will be joining the throngs of fitness centers popping up in the area. Fitness centers such as Gold’s Gym and 24-Hour Fitness aim to win over local membership with their respective amenities that include extended business hours and top-of-the line equipment. Not to be outdone, Equinox also attempts to raise the bar, offering up-scale amenities that include personal training sessions, a full-service spa, cardio and strength equipment and laundry service. The fitness chain has been recognized for its services and treatments by Los Angeles Magazine. Arthur Suazo, director of leasing at Hudson Properties, said Equinox would be a “perfect fit” for the company’s First Financial property, a six-story, 222,423-square-foot building, consisting mostly of office space. “Equinox is a great upscale amenity,” Suazo said. “It’s a world-class fitness facility.” It would also bring the property’s occupancy to nearly 100 percent, he said. The building currently has 36 tenants including Pepperdine University, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and US Bank. Diane Rosen, chair of the Encino Neighborhood Council’s Planning and Land Use Committee, said plans for the new Equinox were well-received by council members. The high-end gym will cater to the area’s professional clientele, Rosen said. “It’s a step apart from existing gyms in the area,” she added, referring to the gym’s high-end amenities and services. “I think this will be very convenient and positive. I’m sure there’s a demand for it in the community.” The building’s existing four-level parking garage also offers sufficient and convenient parking for gym members, Rosen said. “We’re very happy to have such a nice facility coming,” she said. “Hopefully they will thrive.”
