Orangetheory Fitness to open new studio in downtown Columbia. Here’s where and when
A national fitness studio chain is bringing a location to Five Points, continuing a recent streak of new small businesses in Columbia’s longstanding shopping and nightlife district.
Orangetheory Fitness is planning to set up shop at 940 Harden St. in upper Five Points. It will open right next door to a new Flying Biscuit Cafe location that is being prepped at 936 Harden St.
Greta Welsch, head coach and studio manager for the coming Five Points Orangetheory location, said owners and management hope the Harden Street spot will be open by late July or early August. A peek inside the location on Tuesday morning revealed construction underway, and a city building permit on the door indicated a number of upgrades and alterations are taking place.
There are a handful of Orangetheory locations already operating in the Columbia area, including spots in Forest Acres, northeast Columbia, Lexington and Irmo.
Welsch said Five Points, just east of the University of South Carolina’s campus and the city center, was a natural spot for an Orangetheory expansion. Weslch noted she has had positive conversations with leaders from the Five Points Association about the desire to continue diversifying the types of businesses that are in the village.
“We want to bring Orangetheory to a more accessible place,” Welsch said.
Orangetheory specializes in one-hour, full-body workouts that focus on training endurance, strength and power. It uses heart rate-based interval training and has classes led by certified personal trainers.
Those interested in inquiring about a founder’s membership at the coming Five Points location can email studio1525@orangetheoryfitness.com.
The Orangetheory plans are just the latest in a run of small business announcements or openings in Five Points this year.
FuruSato Bento, a Japanese eatery, has opened at 748 Harden St. In early May, Botanica de Santee, a Latin-inspired apparel and gift shop, opened on Santee Avenue, and The Turning Pointe dancewear shop moved from Forest Acres to 1030 Harden St. and had its grand opening May 25.
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint opened at 711 Harden St. in the former Cover 3 bar location. The Falafel King restaurant is now open at 2020-A Gervais St. A new Time to Shine Car Wash is being planned for 2006 Gervais St. at the upper edge of Five Points. Gameday Nutrition, a smoothie and drink club connected to Herbalife, recently opened a storefront at 730 Santee Ave.
And Swiff luxury streetwear store has opened at 736 Harden St.
This story was originally published June 8, 2022 at 5:01 AM.
