Fitness Center Lease: Family Fitness Center has...

Fitness Center Lease: Family Fitness Center has signed an $8.9-million lease for a build-to-suit athletic facility in Rancho Santa Margarita, officials with Santa Margarita Co. said Thursday.

Under the 20-year lease agreement, the 22,000-square-foot facility will be built as a joint venture between Santa Margarita Co. and Koll Co. of Newport Beach, then leased back to Family Fitness.

The Family Fitness gym, at Santa Margarita Town Center, a 250-acre mixed-use business and retail area, is to have more than 20 step machines, 20 bicycles and a free-weight gym.

“The top attraction was Rancho Santa Margarita’s demographics,” Ron Thompson, co-owner of the new gym, said in a statement. “The residents of this community are our ideal customers. They are well-educated and highly motivated to maintain their physical well-being.”

Construction is to begin early next year.