This is not your local powerhouse gym. Here we won’t find yoga mats or a juice bar, or even a front desk. This retrofit warehouse is just what you’d expect from a boxing gym. The lighting is questionable and flickers on occasion, a few leaky pipes have been patched, the insulation is terrible, and there’s an odd smell that all boxers know but can’t explain that is vaguely reminiscent of mothballs. The heat is provided by a turn of the century boiler sill and piped in and a couple space heaters in the winter. The state of the building overall is functional but not sustained because members can regularly pay their dues; it’s because someone wants this building open.
In the middle of the recently mopped concrete floor is a serviceable boxing ring with enough space around it to fit a couple rows of folded chairs if need be. One side has a variety of old school free weight benches set up, though there is a treadmill and a stationary bike. The other side has heavy bags and speed bags mounted to the rafters and brick edifice. Around the walls are classic fight posters from events the gym has held in its glory days and a pin board for upcoming events.
There is a door in the back that goes to a rather inglorious locker room, and an even less elegant restroom off to the side. There’s a rack for recently laundered towels, and a bin for laundry. At the end of that hallway is door that is clearly labeled: EMPLOYEES ONLY.
Boiler Room:
This room is not up to code. A half flight of stairs drop down into the boiler room that should have been upgraded before the turn of the century. It was not. It may very likely be haunted given its age and questionably violent history. High set windows vent out and allow light but otherwise serve as a bit of a fire trap unless one is good at climbing up the cabinets, but also makes for an excellent place to have discussions people don’t need to be privy to. The place has dust that’s been accumulating since 1940. The space is otherwise utilized so janitorial supplies have a place to live and there is a drop shower. In one corner there is a bed that’s been set up with army blankets and an old credenza, and various cabinets for storage and tools just to keep the place up and running.