Legacy Boxing & Fitness, a premier destination for competitive fighters and fitness enthusiasts alike, has officially signed a lease for a massive new facility at 341 Cortlandt Street in Belleville.
The nearly 10,000-square-foot transaction, brokered by Sheldon Gross Realty, marks a significant expansion for the gym. Moving from its previous home in Wayne, the new location more than doubles its footprint, allowing for a broader range of youth programs, professional training, and high-intensity community classes.
The gym is owned and operated by Yessenia Montalvo, a retired Newark Police Detective known to her students as “Coach Yess.” Montalvo, who discovered boxing as a tool for resilience during her law enforcement career, has grown the gym into more than just a workout spot; it is also the home of the Legacy Youth Empowerment Organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mentors local youth through Olympic-style boxing.
“Boxers are remarkably fit, so lots of people aspire to take part in that sort of intense workout,” said Eric Weston, Vice President of Sheldon Gross Realty, who has worked with Montalvo since 2011. “For Legacy Boxing, Belleville is in the heart of one of New Jersey’s most vibrant population corridors, with thousands of potential customers in every direction.”
The new facility is housed in a character-rich, two-story yellow brick building. The 9,975-square-foot space is designed to accommodate both the heavy-hitting needs of professional fighters and the high-volume traffic of group fitness.
Key features include:
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Flexible Access: A dedicated loading dock with a roll-up garage door facilitates the easy rotation of heavy equipment and provides cross-ventilation for intense training sessions.
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Proximity to Major Hubs: The site is located just blocks from Route 21 and less than two miles from the Garden State Parkway and Route 3, making it a “commuter-friendly” gym for residents of Newark, Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties.
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Expanded Programming: The increased square footage will allow for more heavy bags, a full-sized ring, and dedicated areas for strength and conditioning.
The arrival of Legacy Boxing & Fitness adds to the growing commercial momentum in Belleville, which has seen a surge in “lifestyle” and wellness tenants over the past year. By bringing a successful, woman-owned business to Cortlandt Street, Sheldon Gross Realty highlights the continued demand for high-quality, specialized retail and fitness space in suburban Essex County.
“We take pride in our long-term client relationships,” a representative from Sheldon Gross Realty noted. “Seeing Legacy Boxing grow from their start in Wayne to this flagship Belleville location is a testament to the strength of their community and the vibrancy of the New Jersey market.”
