New 30,000-Square-Foot Premium Fitness Concept Brings an Elevated Health and Wellness Experience to RITHM at Uptown's Transformative Mixed-Use Development
TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RD Management is proud to announce the grand opening of LA Fitness ELEVATE located in RITHM at Uptown, marking another significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the former University Mall into a vibrant mixed-use destination. The approximately 30,000-square-foot facility, located at 2170 E. Fowler Avenue, introduces LA Fitness's innovative ELEVATE concept, bringing a premium fitness experience to the growing RITHM at Uptown community.
Representing an approximately $12.5 million investment to construct LA Fitness, the newly opened club is part of the company's expansion of its ELEVATE concept, a modern evolution of the traditional gym experience. Designed to offer a more specialized and comprehensive approach to health and wellness, ELEVATE combines contemporary design, advanced training equipment, and dedicated fitness environments to accommodate a wide range of workout styles and fitness goals.
The facility features several signature training spaces, including a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio, a HYROX functional training area, and LIFT, an expanded free-weight training space equipped with a Rogue Rig system, Olympic benches, and lifting platforms. Additional amenities include specialized strength and cardio equipment, lower-body training stations, personal training services, spacious locker rooms, and instructor-led group fitness classes.
As LA Fitness continues to expand its ELEVATE concept, the opening at RITHM reflects the growing demand for premium, experience-driven fitness destinations.
"The opening of LA Fitness ELEVATE represents another exciting milestone in the evolution of RITHM at Uptown and University Mall," said Richard Birdoff, Co-Chief Executive Officer of RD Management. "Introducing this premium fitness concept reinforces our vision of creating a destination that goes beyond traditional retail. By bringing together innovative brands, modern amenities, and diverse lifestyle offerings, we are building a connected community where people can live, work, learn, and enjoy everything the district has to offer."
The addition of LA Fitness ELEVATE further enhances RITHM's growing collection of national retailers, restaurants, and lifestyle destinations, providing convenient access to premium health and wellness services for residents, students, professionals, and the surrounding community.
Continued Momentum for RITHM at Uptown
Strategically located near the University of South Florida, RITHM is undergoing a comprehensive redevelopment that reimagines the traditional shopping mall as an integrated live-work-learn-play community.
The opening of LA Fitness ELEVATE complements an expanding retail lineup at The Shoppes at RITHM, including Sprouts Farmers Market and Burlington. The broader development continues to attract prominent national brands, with Portillo's, Miller's Ale House, and RaceTrac joining an established collection of retailers and restaurants that includes LongHorn Steakhouse, KFC, and Panda Express.
Beyond retail, RITHM continues to experience substantial investment in residential, educational, and commercial development. The district's growing student housing portfolio, including developments in partnership with Core Spaces, will contribute to nearly 5,000 student beds across five surrounding communities upon completion. Additional plans for market-rate multifamily housing will further support the area's expanding residential population.
RITHM also serves as a hub for innovation, education, and entertainment, with destinations including the University of South Florida Institute of Applied Engineering, VU Studios, and Sun-Ray Cinema. Together, these uses are helping establish RITHM as a dynamic district that connects commerce, education, residential living, and recreation.
"We are appreciative of LA Fitness ELEVATE choosing RITHM at Uptown for the market debut of this new concept," said Mike Carroll, Co-Chief Executive Officer of RD Management. "As we continue to introduce new businesses and advance additional phases of redevelopment, our focus remains on building a vibrant, sustainable community. LA Fitness ELEVATE is an excellent example of the innovative concepts that are shaping the future of this destination."
The grand opening underscores RD Management's continued commitment to transforming RITHM through strategic investment, thoughtful redevelopment, and partnerships with leading national brands. With each new addition, RITHM continues to evolve into a premier mixed-use destination serving the greater Tampa community.
LA Fitness ELEVATE at RITHM at Uptown is now open and welcoming members.
For more information, visit www.rdmanagement.com.
Bradley Schwartz, [email protected]
SOURCE RD Management

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