New York City’s historic Church of the Holy Communion – and former home of the legendary, celebrity-attended Limelight nightclub, owned by Peter Gatien – is being converted into a David Barton Gym.

This autumn will see the fitness group’s 23rd Street health club relocate to the iconic Limelight building at 20th & Sixth in Chelsea.

The new landmark location will offer three floors featuring spacious halls, grand arches and stained-glass windows dating back to the original 1846 Episcopal building. New York’s Studio Sofield has been appointed with the task of creating a dynamic design that successfully blends the building’s integrity with David Barton Gym’s requirement for a state-of-the-art, 1,860sq m (20,000sq ft) fitness facility.

The Limelight fitness club will be equipped with a new line of signature strength equipment and cardio incorporating swipeable tablet consoles, as well as fight training, yoga and pilates classes. A series of live DJ sets will also be hosted by international and New York City artists. Limited pre-opening special rates have already been launched.