Planners Approve Spa-Massage Center
The Planning Commission on Monday approved plans to build a day spa and massage center at the Kaleidoscope entertainment center on Crown Valley Parkway.
The Burke Williams Day Spa would employ as many as 60 masseuses. The 12,000-square-foot facility will have 12 to 15 massage rooms, six to eight skin-care rooms as well as other health and beauty facilities.
Clint Sherrod, the city’s director of community development, initially recommended that the commission deny the company’s proposal. Sherrod said he was concerned that massage parlors could attract prostitution and other crimes.
“The simplest way to deal effectively with a potential problem is to avoid it,” he said. But after police officials indicated they didn’t have a problem with the spa, Sherrod changed his recommendation.
Bill Armour, president of Burke Williams, said his spas cater to upscale professionals. It already runs spas in Santa Monica and Hollywood.
“Massage has had a sleazy connotation in the past,” Armour said. “Massage therapy has built a strong reputation over the last 10 years.”
Armour said his therapists have never violated municipal codes, and that only twice has there been a problem with clients soliciting prostitutes.
About 70% of Burke Williams clients are female.
The $1.5-million spa is expected to open by year’s end.
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