Pura Vida Fitness Center + Spa + Offices
(Cherry Creek, Colorado)

The owner’s goal for Pura Vida Fitness and Spa was to bring a fresh, clean, state-of-the-art fitness center to the Cherry Creek area. The center sits at the core of the neighborhood, in a former bookstore space. We were brought on board as the interior architect responsible for integrating and programming for Pura Vida while taking advantage of the building’s new presence at the center of Cherry Creek.

The program for Pura Vida needed to provide a first class experience unlike any other fitness center. By making the right choices in materials, finishes, and art – walking through Pura Vida provides the visitor with a ‘gallery’ like experience.

One of the main challenges on the project was creating a connection between the 33,000 square feet spread over the existing five levels. The team provided two entries points: one on the first level for walk-up members and a second entry located off of the parking garage. The interior vertical circulation from second floor to the remaining floors above is provided through an existing exit stairway. In order to visually connect the levels, the stairs were given a feeling of openness by placing glass windows into the stairwell. A sense of movement is provided by playful rectangular lights that dance up the stair.

Another unique programming element, located the high energy activity areas like group exercise studios and cardio areas along the curtain glass wall to help bring energy and a human presence to the street below. The mind-body experience of the center is strengthened by the connection between the energy and activity of the interior spaces with that energy of the neighborhood.

Project completed while Principal, and designer at SBD. Photography: Ron Pollard