Speakeasy Fitness Acquired Historic Los Angeles Site
The company purchased a property on La Brea Avenue to open its eighth fitness facility in the region.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Fitness
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Speakeasy Fitness has purchased the property at 1336 N. La Brea Ave. in Los Angeles, a site previously occupied by the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. The facility is expected to serve local residents as the company's eighth gym location.
Why it matters
The company is investing $20 million in acquisition and renovation costs to secure its own real estate. By owning its locations, the operator intends to avoid lease escalation clauses and changes to parking charges that can affect member access and membership costs.
Speakeasy Fitness is expanding its Southern California footprint by acquiring the La Brea property, which brings the company to eight total operating gyms. This project is part of a broader, documented market trend involving over 700 new planned boutique fitness openings across the U.S. for 2026.
The players
Speakeasy Fitness
A fitness operator focused on geographic concentration and property ownership in Southern California.
American Academy of Dramatic Arts
A performing arts conservatory that previously occupied the newly acquired site on La Brea Avenue.
The details
The operator utilizes a strategy of acquiring properties to act as its own anchor tenant in Southern California. This model provides long-term stability by bypassing volatile lease agreements. The site on La Brea Avenue has a rich history, previously serving as part of the A&M Records complex before its use by the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Timeline
The North Hills building was sold by the company in 2025.
CBRE released a research brief regarding gym growth in August 2026.
The Beverly Boulevard location is expected to open in October 2026.
The new La Brea gym is scheduled to open in the spring of 2027.
Health Landscape
The acquisition reflects a shift among boutique operators toward property ownership to secure long-term site viability. This project aligns with the national expansion trend highlighted in the August 2026 CBRE research brief on boutique fitness.
Members can expect consistent access and stable fee structures at locations where the operator holds property ownership. Residents interested in new fitness options near La Brea Avenue should look for updates from the facility as the 2027 opening approaches.
The takeaway
Securing property ownership helps gyms maintain stable operating environments for their members. Keep track of local facility openings to ensure you have access to convenient exercise space that meets your health routine needs.
Further reading
For more information on exercise facility standards in your area, visit Fitness.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bisnow.
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