Crystal Lake Mayor Urges Park District to Purchase Long-Closed Healthbridge

In 2023, the Crystal Lake Park Board decided not to take over Healthbridge, the fitness center that Northwestern Medicine abandoned after getting in its deal to purchase Centengra.

Below are notes from a Friend of McHenry County Blog on last night’s Crystal Lake Park Board meeting concerning developer John Green’s proposal to sell Healthbridge to the Park District:

• John Green is under contract to purchase the Health Bridge facility
• Expected to close 3Q25
• Speaking along with Green, CL Mayor Haleblian spoke energetically about the proposal
• Green presented no materials, he only spoke to the Park District Board
• Green says Health Bridge is not a gym nor health club, its organized more as a community center.
• Green said the building is 80k sq ft.
• Green said the building is 25 years old and in great shape for a building of this age.  Haleblian agreed as he considers himself an expert and has toured the facility.
• Green said since its closing Northwestern has maintained the four inside pools.
• Green said the outdoor pool would need to be examined.  The old door pool has not yet been inspected.
• When pressed by a Board Member on the health of HVAC, electrical, etc., Green said some things have been replaced, however, anything over 25 years old could break.
• Green offered to sign the contract over to the Park District with a small fee, he also offered 5 year rent to buy terms.
• Green said it was up to the Park District if it moves forward.
• Green said he and his partners need to look at other opportunities if this falls through.
• Green said the location would support apartments.  Openly, the said either through remodeling or knock down and rebuild.
• Haleblian then got up and spoke, calling this is a “once in a life opportunity”.  For $4.2M plus a little profit for John the Park District could have an 80,000 sq ft community Center with a square foot cost of < $50.
• In the audience were Council Members Hubbard & Teetsov.
• A Park District Board Member asked Haleblian if Crystal Lake would go in with them. 
• Haleblian said he would but he is only 1 of 7 and he said the lawyers would have to give it the ok.
• The Park Board reminded that 6 years ago they had an estimate of $45M for a new building
• Two members of the public spoke for it, one member urged caution because estimating operating costs is not something the Park Board has experience doing.

Here is the press release put out by the Park District in 2023:

Update Regarding Northwestern Medicine Healthcare Crystal Lake Fitness Center and the Crystal Lake Park District

Mon February 27, 2023

The Crystal Lake Park District recognizes the need for a community center, fitness area and public swimming pool for its residents and this was confirmed by a recent community needs survey. The Park District considered whether Northwestern Medicine Healthcare’s Crystal Lake Fitness Center (formerly, Health Bridge) would satisfy these needs.

The Park District engaged with representatives of Northwestern and was advised that Northwestern was only interested in short term leasing of the facility at this time. 

After reviewing this scenario, the Park District quickly determined that it was not in the best interests of the residents and taxpayers of the Park District to lease the premises because it was not a permanent solution for the needs of the community.

The Park District appreciates the passion and interest shown by many residents asking the Park District to keep the facility open. It’s not possible for the Crystal Lake Park District to keep the facility open, unfortunately, as it’s not for sale.  In order to channel the enthusiasm for a community fitness center and pool, the Park District plans to explore other options to make such a facility a reality. 

The Park District thanks all those who have reached out and offered their opinions on this issue.