CrossFit Luminary re-opens improved gym facility after major fire last spring

It may not have been an easy process, but owners of Grand Rapids' CrossFit Luminary have officially reopened their facility at 610 Maryland Avenue after it was temporarily closed in April following a fire with causes still unknown. 

"The budget was a great obstacle, being shut down was a great obstacle, keeping in touch with our clientele and staying connected with our community - that was a tremendous obstacle," says Michael Livingston, trainer and co-owner of CrossFit Luminary. "The construction itself was still a tremendous obstacle. Completing building our business and launching as something different was, too." 

However, despite the challenges, the gym is back in business and sporting new and improved ADA-compliant bathroom, shower, and kitchen areas as well as a few new programs, to boot. 

"Throughout the process we were able to make some upgrades in terms of how we use our available space," says Livingston. "We haven’t technically changed (in physical space) but through the rebuild we've optimized our space here." 

With new Olympic lifting platforms as well as traditional CrossFit equipment, CrossFit Luminary is now the first and only CrossFit gym in Grand Rapids with a dedicated strength and conditioning program added to their available classes. Additionally, CrossFit is offering a new competition program to challenge more advanced athletes and both Livingston and his co-owner, Shane Davis, say they plan to expand programming with an Olympic weight lifting class this summer. 

Livingston said CrossFit has hired an additional three part-time trainers to accommodate the increased programming, and he hopes to make those positions, as well as more hires, full-time as the gym continues to grow. 

CrossFit is a mixed model physical training program that incorporates strength training, gymnastics, plyometrics and metabolic conditioning in a variety of combinations. CrossFit Luminary offers 60-minute small group, instructor led classes, as well as an open gym for Grand Rapids trainees. 

CrossFit Luminary will host a grand re-opening celebration on Dec. 13 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. 

By Anya Zentmeyer, Development News Editor
Images courtesy of CrossFit Luminary, Marisa Livingston & Kyle Bowman