Case Engineering Designs Mezzanine Support Structure for New Anytime Fitness in San Diego, CA

St. Louis, MO — Case Engineering recently partnered with St. Louis-based architectural firm Trileaf Corporation to transform a former Chase Bank into a new Anytime Fitness in San Diego, CA. Case’s structural design on the project supports a new mezzanine for an additional 2,400 sq ft of workout space at the gym.

The Anytime Fitness project involved the adaptive reuse of an existing 4,000 sq ft structure at 365 W Washington St. in Mission Hills Plaza into a modern fitness center. Anytime Fitness is a global franchise of 24-hour, co-ed health and fitness clubs. Members receive 24/7 access to any location, a wide range of cardio and strength training equipment and personalized fitness plans, digital workouts and coaching support. The gyms are independently owned and operated with a focus on community, convenience and personalized support.

The original building features deep foundations due to poor soil conditions, concrete masonry unit (CMU) exterior bearing walls, and a wood-framed roof system. The project architect expanded the building’s usable space without altering its footprint through design of a mezzanine around its interior perimeter.

As the structural engineer on the project, Case Engineering was challenged with designing structural support for the 2,400 sq ft addition within the building’s existing space. Case’s solution was a low-profile composite steel beam framing system that meets clearance constraints both above and below the mezzanine, while working within the existing roof height limitations.

Structural integration of the mezzanine posed several challenges, as the design required that it support a live load of 100 psf consistent with fitness facility requirements.

“The existing building is supported by concrete grade beams and deep foundation-drilled piers. New mezzanine support columns had to be strategically placed atop existing grade beams, which were reinforced to handle the increased loads,” said Case Senior Structural Engineer/Principal Ardie Mansouri, P.E. “Additionally, the added mass from the mezzanine triggered higher seismic demands, necessitating the installation of new shear walls. These walls were supported by newly introduced deep foundation elements to ensure compliance with seismic safety standards.”

The new mezzanine is being utilized for the gym’s elliptical machines, treadmills, private training and other workout equipment. In addition to a staircase, an ADA-compliant lift provides access to the new mezzanine.

Costa Mesa, CA-based RPS GC, Inc. was the general contractor on the adaptive reuse project. A grand opening for the new Anytime Fitness was held on Jan. 25, 2025.

About Case Engineering, Inc.

Founded in 1995, St. Louis-based Case Engineering has been providing engineering design services nationwide for over 30 years. With a professional staff of over 100 employees and registrations in 49 US states and the District of Columbia, Case Engineering provides exceptional mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural engineering, plus fire protection consulting design and design-build services.

Since its founding, Case Engineering has reached new heights in professional achievements and boasts a varied client base that includes, but is not limited to the following industries: hospitality, restaurants/quick service restaurants, healthcare, retail, workplace, multi-family housing, education, laboratory and industrial. For more information about Case Engineering, visit www.caseengineeringinc.com.