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New name for old school

The former Waupaca Accelerated Learning Center is now the Johnson Family Wellness Center.

The Waupaca Common Council approved the name change last month, and a sign will be put on the building.

Rick Johnson, owner of Health and Fitness Headquarters, asked the city to consider naming it that in honor of his family, and the council agreed to do so.

On Oct. 29, Health and Fitness Headquarters moved into the building on School Street, which is located next to the Waupaca Recreation Center.

Johnson provided the city with about $235,000 for the building’s purchase from the Waupaca School District.

The city closed on the property in July.

Johnson is leasing the building from the city for $3,000 per month for five years, with the option to revisit the lease at the end of that term.

Johnson covered the cost of remodeling the interior of the building and is also paying the city $1,000 per month for a period of two years, with those funds designated for any exterior maintenance costs.

In addition, he is paying the city another $1,000 per month for that same two-year period, with those funds to be used at the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Department.

The remodeling of the building began in mid August.

The downtown location replaces the fitness center’s previous location inside the Best Western Grand Seasons Hotel on the city’s north side.

That gym closed on Aug. 29, and Health and Fitness Headquarter’s lease agreement with the hotel ended on Aug. 31.

The location on School Street is one of two locations for Health and Fitness Headquarters. The south location is on State Highway 22, across from Waupaca High School.

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