After three years of vacancy, the former Barnes & Noble storefront at 760 Southeast Maynard Road in Cary is finally getting a new tenant. Crunch Fitness confirmed plans to take over the 40,000-square-foot facility, marking its first location in the town.

Work crews are scheduled to begin construction on the site in August. The gym is expected to open its doors to the public in December. This new facility will serve as the flagship location for the brand within the local market.

Ashton Harrell, the franchisee leading this effort, noted that Cary currently lacks enough options for the high-volume, low-cost fitness model. The company aims to fill that gap with this expansive new gym.

Membership pricing in Cary starts at $9.99 per month. Members will have access to standard gym equipment along with specialized group classes like cycle, Zumba, and yoga. Additional amenities will include a sauna, massage services, and tanning beds for members who choose higher-tier plans.

This addition comes as the local fitness market sees notable shifts. While this new space offers an affordable entry point, other premium athletic clubs continue to expand in the region as well. The arrival of this gym signals a shift for the property near the former Cary Towne Center, which has sat empty since the bookstore relocated.