Franchisee Todd Gannon plans to open the 5,000-square-foot facility at The Carlton at Dawley in mid-September, marking the brand’s comeback to the area after a decade-long absence. The gym will serve both youth and adult athletes.
New Ownership and Strategic Location
Todd Gannon, a longtime high school football coach and local property owner, is leading the expansion. According to Gannon, the decision to bring D1 Training back to Sioux Falls followed a period of personal reflection on his career and a desire to focus on community-based coaching. Gannon and his wife, Shari, are based in Canton and operate several local businesses, including the Riverview Christmas Tree Farm.
The facility is situated at 5501 E. 18th St. within the Dawley Farm Village development. Raquel Blount, vice president of commercial real estate at Lloyd Cos., noted that the location was chosen for its accessibility and proximity to existing residential and retail hubs. “We don’t have any fitness center with that national branding, so this type of programming is huge,” Blount said. The center joins existing tenants like Dakota Dental on the ground floor of The Carlton.
Did you know?
The D1 Training model was founded in 2001 by former NFL player Will Bartholomew. Today, the Nashville-based company has grown to include more than 170 locations nationwide, with over 200 additional franchised units in various stages of development.
Training Philosophy and Accessibility
Despite the brand name’s association with Division 1 athletics, Gannon emphasizes that the training programs are designed for a broad demographic. The facility offers scholastic training for ages 7 through 18, alongside adult classes, small-group sessions, and personal training. Programming is created by a panel of strength and conditioning coaches with Division 1 experience.
“It’s a D1-style training program, so the same intensity and excitement and expertise you could get at a Division I college, but accessible to all athletes and even nonathletes,” Gannon said. He noted that the gym’s definition of an “athlete” includes anyone with a fitness goal, citing that the brand serves clients as old as 70 or 80.
Growth of the Dawley Farm Village Hub
The addition of D1 Training is part of a broader effort to turn The Carlton and the surrounding Dawley Farm Village into a destination for services. Blount is currently managing the remaining commercial space in the building, which includes 5,000 and 10,000-square-foot units available for lease.
The strategy for the remaining space focuses on personal services that complement the fitness center. “It would be great if we had hair, beauty, nails — those types of businesses that cater to the development and the broader neighborhood,” Blount said. The goal is to create a convenient ecosystem where residents can complete errands and fitness routines within a short walking distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What age groups does D1 Training serve?
The facility offers scholastic training for children and teenagers ages 7 to 18, as well as programming for adults. - Where is the new Sioux Falls location?
The center is located at 5501 E. 18th St. on the first floor of The Carlton at Dawley Farm Village. - When is the facility expected to open?
The current target for the grand opening is mid-September. - Does the gym require a specific athletic background?
No. According to Todd Gannon, the programs are designed for all fitness levels, including individuals with no prior athletic experience.
Are you planning to check out the new facility once it opens? Share your thoughts on the growth of the Dawley Farm Village area in the comments below, or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on local business news.