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STL Boxing Academy tells council it will be a training-focused, appointment-based gym; zoning item read as bill 10039
Summary
Kelly Ray said STL Boxing Academy will operate as a training academy at 750 North Highway 67 with one ring, small classes and private training, will not host fights, and requests 24-hour controlled access for members with professional schedules; council members asked about occupancy, hours, programming and participant protections.
Kelly Ray, co-owner and head coach for STL Boxing Academy, presented the council with the academy’s intent to operate at 750 North Highway 67 and asked for a special-use permit for a fitness center over 2,000 square feet (bill 10039).
Why it matters: The academy requested flexibility for training schedules (including occasional late-night sessions for professional athletes) and described programming that includes youth, seniors, people with disabilities and competitive athletes. Council members sought clarity on occupancy, 24-hour access, whether the facility would host fights and safety measures for children and vulnerable participants.
Ray described STL Boxing Academy as an appointment-based facility emphasizing one-on-one coaching and small classes (she said classes “usually are about 10 to 12 people”). She stated the gym would include one boxing ring for training, heavy bags, mats and a small amount of cardio equipment and that its approach is coaching- and mentorship-focused rather than event promotion. “To be clear, we do not and we never have hosted fights,” Ray told the council, adding that professional athletes affiliated with the academy compete in large, sanctioned venues. On 24-hour access, Ray said the structure is intended to provide private, controlled access for athletes with nonstandard schedules and not to be a continuously open public gym.
On membership and participant protections, Ray said waivers and insurance would be required and that most members train for fitness, mentorship and confidence rather than competition. She estimated building occupancy at 80 but said she did not expect more than roughly 30 people in the facility at any one time under normal operations. Council members asked clarifying questions about youth participation, supervision and the scope of programming; Ray said the academy prioritizes mental and physical preparation and that fights would only occur at sanctioned events outside the facility.
The public hearing closed without recorded opposition. Bill 10039 was read for first reading; the transcript does not show a final council vote or ordinance adoption on Feb. 10.
Ending: The special-use permit request will return for further council consideration; staff will confirm occupancy, insurance and any conditions the council may impose.
