Starting a business is no easy feat, but Sweat Box Gym in Humble, TX has managed to do just that and more. Founded in 2019, the gym has quickly grown in size and popularity, becoming a community staple and an inspiration for other trainers.
The gym began as a small space within a larger facility called Fit Crew Houston, with just four punching bags and a mat. But it didn't take long for the gym to outgrow its humble beginnings. In just six weeks, the gym expanded from 700 SF to 1500 SF, and by 2020, they had acquired 2,200 SF at another facility. But even that wasn't enough to satisfy the demand of the classes, and by 2021, they had run out of space.
Enter owner Johannes "Jo" Azucena, who had a vision for a mixed-use facility where he could work and live, allowing him to be near his family and young children. With a dedicated team and a commitment to community-focused fitness, Sweat Box Gym has become a local success story.
One of the things that sets this gym apart is its commitment to family-focused programming. In addition to classes for fighters and crossfitters, they offer events and opportunities for children and families, including snowball fights in the winter, water slides and water balloon toss in the summer, family hiking trips at Lake Houston Park, and children’s health coaching programs.
IDG+ Architect's design, as well as the expertise and execution by Mero Construction played a crucial role in the success of Sweat Box Gym. Jo was heavily involved in the process, and loved the visioning exercises with the design-build team. The gym is located in an industrial area of Humble that doesn't see a lot of development, but with a renovated site and a new business that is family-centered, families coming from the gym during events or classes visit the surrounding businesses and have supported the local economy in ways that it was not supported before.
One of the standout features of Sweat Box Gym is its HVAC system, which allows for natural ventilation while still maintaining comfort in the gym and residence. Jo praised the design team for their quick response time and understanding of his unique needs.
Sweat Box Gym is not just a success story for its owners, but for the entire community. It is an example of what can happen when a business is committed to serving its customers and supporting its local economy.
As Jo said, "The building can serve as an inspiration for a new typology in an old but new commercial development." We can't wait to see what Sweatbox Gym achieves next.
~ Jo Azucena
Owner, Sweat Box Gym
Building Award Winning
Communities Since 2001
Offices
440 Benmar Drive, Suite 3335
Houston Texas 77060
1341 West Mockingbird Lane, Suite 600W
Dallas, Texas 75247
4507 Sterling Avenue, Suite 306
Peoria, Illinois 61615
IDG+ Architects designed this beautiful 83,700 square foot school, which was named after Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, to serve 650 students.
The design concept was inspired by colors that support concentration and information absorption.
This vibrant and purposeful color scheme is one of the first elements to communicate the message behind the design -- on both visual and psychological levels.
This innovative facility solved community needs and enrollment growth while looking to the horizon for determining future student interests and skills.
The school serves students in Pre-K through the Fifth Grade and features an open central library and collaborative learning spaces. These collaborative learning spaces create a unique and inspirational academic experience.
Interior finishes include terrazzo flooring, ceramic tiling, visual display boards, folding partitions, custom millwork and an elevator as well as state-of-the-art mechanical, plumbing, electrical and technology systems.
The 83,700-square-foot campus includes an administrative area, media center, library, art and music classrooms, gymnasium, dining/stage, central plant, playgrounds, and parking.
"We were delighted to bring our best work to this 21st Century School. Our team worked with educators to design into the future.
Using light and color, we lit up the entire school while simultaneously making the most of sustainable building materials."
~ Ben McMillan
President, IDG+ Architects
Total Budget: $36,244,854
Construction Budget: $22,745,620
Architect: IDG+ Architects
Contractor: Ratcliff Constructors LP/VPG, JV
Program Manager: JACOBS
Project Manager: Abhi Nigudkar
Building Award Winning
Communities Since 2001
Offices
440 Benmar Drive, Suite 3335
Houston Texas 77060
1341 West Mockingbird Lane, Suite 600W
Dallas, Texas 75247
4507 Sterling Avenue, Suite 306
Peoria, Illinois 61615