"24 Hour Fitness," a national chain of fitness centers that is what its name suggests, made it first public work session appearance tonight, coming before the Falls Church Planning Commission to exhibit its plans for renovating the 45,000 square foot former Syms building in the 1000 block of E. Broad St. into an extensive, two floor fitness facility. The project needs only site plan approval to move ahead, and it is the Planning Commission that would provide that in the coming weeks.

The facility includes a three-lane lap pool and a full basketball court (which can be divided into two shorts courts with baskets on the sides. And yes, it will be open 24 hours a day. The chain began in California, where there are the most facilities, but it has moved east, with five in New York City and one in Annapolis. "It is very family oriented with facilities for all ages," said former Falls Church City Manager David Lasso, who is assisting the firm in its efforts here. "It almost functions like a community center."

Kevin Workman, the director of real estate for the company, flew in from Dallas for tonight's meeting. He said that the process of securing the lease for the property is not yet final, but almost. In addition to remaking the facade of the building and adding many new windows, the second floor in the rear (closest to 7 Corners) will be elevated 10 feet.