‘I’ll be out of business’: Spartanburg gym owner says city gave 3 month notice to relocate

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Nautilus Fitness Center is a staple of downtown Spartanburg—but it might not be there much longer.

The small business is one of two located on land where the county plans to build the joint government complex. The owner said the city gave him notice to be out by October on Thursday.

“People come from all over the county just to come to this gym. They pass other gyms just to come here,” said Nautilus Fitness Center owner John Lankford.

Nautilus Fitness Center has been in business for 47 years and has been on Church Street for 37. Lankford says he’s seen downtown transform from a ghost town to a thriving district.

“We see a lot of growth, which is good, I like growth. It means business for us as well. Unfortunately, now that the growth is here now they don’t want us here any longer,” he said.

Two years ago, he learned about plans for a government building. Paid for by the penny sales tax—the multi-story complex and parking garage will house both city and county offices. The city also announced plans to have a private developer build apartments with commercial space on the same church street lot.

Now that city hall has been demolished, the government complex development could move along swiftly. It’s expected to open in 2026. Lankford says after months of not hearing from the city—he got a letter Thursday with an offer to acquire his property and a notice to move out by October.

“I cannot go anywhere with what they’re offering me. I’ll be out of business after 47 years of serving the community of downtown Spartanburg and the county. I’ll be out of business,” he said.

Lankford says officials initially proposed different options—like helping him relocate to another space downtown and promising him a spot in the new development. No deal was ever reached.

“We found out in January someone came in representing the county, and the city said these are the plans, and you’re not in it,” said Lankford.

FOX Carolina reached out to the Spartanburg city manager for more details—but did not get a response Thursday. As for Lankford and his gym, he’s not moving on without a fight.

“If it can happen to us here at Nautilus Fitness Center, it can happen down the street to another business,” he said. So I’m very disappointed in what’s happening.”

We are still waiting for a response from city officials. Lankford says he’ll be speaking with his attorney to decide next steps. We’ll continue to follow this story for updates.

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