Waterloo racquet club revived following fire, $11 million repairs

The Greystone Racquet Club was gutted by fire in 2023 but, as CTV’s Spencer Turcotte reports, it’s finally ready to reopen.

A Waterloo sports facility, which was gutted by a fire two years ago, has risen from the ashes.

The fire at Greystone Racquet Club, formerly known as the Northfield Racquet Club, left members scrambling to find a new place to play, but on Monday, the doors re-opened.

Despite being shuttered for two years, the parking lot and courts were packed for the first official day back.

“It was heartbreaking because this is a second home to a lot of us, so we were homeless for a little while,” said Pat Runstedler, a longtime member who recalled the fire on Dec. 8, 2023.

But after nearly two years and upwards of $11 million in renovations and repairs, the club reopened with new owners and a new name – The Club at Northfield.

“A lot of the core amenities are the same like the squash court, the pickleball, the tennis. There are a few other changes,” said Hillary Salvian, co-owner and general manager. “Tone & MVMT Reformer Pilates has a space in the building, Black Knight has an office space and showroom here, which is a Canadian racquet company and Waterloo Sports Medicine has a clinic on-site.”

People did find places to play while the club was closed. It meant some were without jobs, but they are happy to be back now.

“When you dedicate yourself to a place that you love, it means a lot to you. You feel very sad,” said Milan Kepka, a tennis instructor at the club.

Fast forward and the feelings of sadness have disappeared.

“It’s a beautiful reaction, beautiful feeling. This moment probably couldn’t come at a better time – before Christmas,” said Kepka.

It’s something felt by members too given how many have already signed up. The club has more than 1,000 members and they plan to cap it at 1,500.

“Just to see people connecting once again, it was just unreal. It made me so happy to see the community back,” said Kyle Michalek, co-owner and operations manager.

You can register in-person, or online, with memberships starting at $145/month.

But for people like 20-year member Runstedler, it’s something you can’t put a price on.

“It has become more than just a club – a family for me,” said Runstedler. “I encourage those people that are still looking around to entertain the thought of joining us here. We’re having a lot of fun.”

CTV News reached out to the Office of the Fire Marshal to find out the cause of the fire. A spokesperson said while their office did conduct an investigation, details related to the cause or damages would have to be obtained through a formal Freedom of Information request.