Building Owner: Northfield Athletic Club Four Months Behind on Rent

Not so fast, says Kyle Snesrud.

Jeff Smiens, who co-owns the with his wife, Therese, told Patch last week that they closed the longtime Northfield business on May 31 because the building, located at 1000 Hwy. 3. S. and owned by Snesrud,

Snesrud said on Tuesday that that isn't the whole truth as to why the business shuttered.

He said about a year ago he and his father, Dale, who co-owned the building and has sinced passed away, worked out an agreement to help with rent payments because business wasn’t going well for the Smiens in a tough economy and competitive market. According to Snesrud, he said the Smiens were four months behind on rent when they closed the club May 31.

“My family was not in a position to fund that business out of our own pockets,” he wrote in an email to Patch. Snesrud also owns fitness clubs in Farmington and Rosemount.

Days after the Northfield Athletic Club closed, a whiteboard was leaning in the window of the former Anytime Fitness space at 2004 Jefferson Rd. and said it was the new home of the club.

Jeff Smiens said in an email to Patch last week that Kyle Snesrud was not able to secure a loan with his bank to make the necessary improvements to the club, which totaled in excess of $80,000, forcing their hand to leave.

"These were not minor repairs but necessary repairs," Smiens wrote. "My wife and I were unwilling to invest any more money in a facility we did not own."

In addition to the move, the Northfield News is reporting that Bronko Lemke, a longtime fitness advocate, plans to take over the business from the Smiens.

The Smiens purchased the business in January 2010 from Robin and Chad Johnson. The business—under different ownership and names—has been in Northfield since 1980.

“I’m terribly disappointed in the closing of that business. I’ve seen it successful and known the potential is there,” Snesrud wrote. “I’m truly, truly grateful to have had a chance to know the members that are the heart, soul and family of that entity.”

Jeff Smiens has not replied to an email from Patch seeking further comment.