Genesis Health Clubs Expands In Louisiana With Pelican Athletic Club Purchase
The nation’s largest privately owned health club operator has planted deeper roots in St. Tammany Parish, adding a familiar Northshore name to its growing portfolio. Genesis Health Clubs, based in Wichita, Kansas, has acquired Pelican Athletic Club in Mandeville, taking over operations on August 28 and rebranding the facility as Genesis Health Clubs, Pelican Athletic Club. The company did not disclose financial details of the transaction, keeping the sale price private.
According to Paul Hansen, who leads the Culture and Brand Department at Genesis, existing members will not see an immediate hit to their wallets, as current membership rates at the Mandeville club are staying the same. Hansen noted that Genesis leadership plans to carefully review the facility and its programs, looking for ways to enhance the overall member experience while still honoring the traditions, routines, and sense of community that long time Pelican members value.
Pelican Athletic Club, often referred to simply as PAC, opened its doors in 1996 and quickly established itself as one of the dominant health and fitness destinations on the western side of St. Tammany Parish. For many years it shared that status with Franco’s in Mandeville and Stone Creek in Covington, together capturing a sizable portion of the local health club market. In more recent years, the landscape has grown more crowded with the arrival of national chains such as Planet Fitness and Crunch, as well as multiple boutique style and smaller neighborhood gyms.
The club itself offers a broad mix of amenities, including multiple pools, tennis courts, extensive weight training and cardio equipment, and a full slate of group exercise classes. With the sale to Genesis, members of the former Pelican Athletic Club gain a significant new perk, access to Genesis facilities across the United States, effectively turning a local membership into a national one.
For Genesis, Pelican becomes its seventy eighth club and its latest foothold in Louisiana. Hansen confirmed that the company already operates locations in Slidell and Baton Rouge, and the addition of the Mandeville site gives Genesis a stronger regional presence along the I ten and I twelve corridors while also tightening its grip on the Northshore fitness market.
Hansen described Pelican as a natural fit for the brand, pointing to its long standing reputation and community connection. He called the club one of Louisiana’s premier fitness destinations, with a history of excellence and deep local roots that align well with Genesis’ broader vision. With clubs now in Baton Rouge, Slidell, and Mandeville, he added that members will benefit from expanded access, more varied programming, and additional chances to connect with a wider network of fitness communities across the state and beyond.
