Janine Franco cuts the ribbon the Vine Health & Fitness Center in downtown Cortland (photo provided)
CORTLAND, N.Y. — Friday marked the official grand opening of Vine Health & Fitness in downtown Cortland.
At a ribbon-cutting and open house event held Thursday, owner Janine Franco thanked friends and supporters for making the project possible. A licensed physical therapist in the Cortland area, Franco brings her years of experience and training into her new business endeavor. She says the fitness center is partnering with Cortland Regional Medical Center's Outpatient Physical Therapy program, allowing patients to use her facility for rehabilitation.
"Because of my background in rehab, I really like the idea of being able to continue the process," Franco said. "When patients are done with physical therapy, they often end up on their own. This way, they can come to a familiar place when they're done with therapy."
Vine Health & Fitness occupies 7,000 square-feet in the Bailey Place Insurance building located at 20 N. Main St. Located in the space formerly occupied by Family Counseling Services, the gym's main features include interactive and functional workout equipment, two trainers, a group exercise room, yoga classes, cardio kickboxing training, circuit training classes, and massage therapy.
"I wanted that modern, hip, clean, feel" Franco said. "We want people to feel comfortable when they're here."
Photo: Provided
The total cost of the project exceeded $800,000. An investment from the Franco family and $270,000 in funding from the state's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) helped bring the project to fruition.
The building underwent an exterior facade renovation last year that included new roofing, updated lighting, and improved columns, signage, masonry, and landscaping.
Franco says that they are currently looking for a massage therapist to rent space at the fitness center. Apply within.
