FAIRMONT — It’s going to take 40,000 square feet for Alex Schliesmann to build his dream.

Using the majority of the former Kmart building in the 1200 block of North State Street in Fairmont, the 2011 Martin County West graduate plans to open Live Fit Sport and Wellness Center in May.

“We’ve been working on this project about three years and really gotten really serious the last year. It’s moving along pretty quickly,” Schliesmann said.

But why build a fitness center when there are already three in town, plus one planned for the proposed community center?

Schliesmann doesn’t flinch at the question, and his excitement is evident as he explains his motivation and his plans.

“I want to build a gym that has no limitations. That’s what my dream is,” he said. “I’ve been a trainer for five years. My whole perspective is to allow people of all ages to be comfortable in a gym and teach them how to use it.”

The facility, which will be staffed during all operating hours, from 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. seven days per week, will offer more than just exercise equipment. Jennifer Moeller, Schliesmann’s mother and co-owner of Live Fit, and Hailey Leiding will operate a massage business at the site, and Dr. Steve Larson of Sherburn Chiropractic, will have office hours there.

Filling up the rest of the 40,000 square feet will be a one-twelfth mile track, a long swath of artificial turf for football and soccer workouts, two half courts for basketball, volleyball, racquetball or pickleball practice, locker rooms, showers, sauna and the traditional exercise equipment.

“I’m also putting in a golf simulator for anyone to use. You don’t have to be a member to use it, but members will get a discount,” Schliesmann said. “It will be state of the art with top of the line technology.”

The vast space of the facility will be ideal for Schliesmann’s other goal, providing a home for sports camps. His years of experience as a fitness trainer have made him aware of an untouched market for speed, agility and strength sports camps.

While he has a special interest in youth camps, Schliesmann strives to create a facility for all ages.

“I’ve got clients of all ages, some that are 12, 15, all through high school, and I’ve got clients that are 30, 40 and 50 years old. I even have some in their late 70s,” he said. “The camps and classes are not just for kids, but for all ages.”

Monthly membership is set at $53 per person, $89 for a family and $20 for students, but other membership levels also are available.

More information on the new business is available on the Facebook page Live Fit Sport & Wellness Center LLC and on Instagram at @livefitswcLLC