The partial collapse of the nearly century-old building at 2501 Russell Street in Detroit’s Eastern Market was a devastating blow to the heartbeat of a community. On September 16, 2023, when the southern walls of the building’s third and fourth floors gave way, it forced two beloved Black-owned businesses, JABS Gym Eastern Market and Detroit vs. Everybody, to evacuate. Yet, what could have been a story about loss and despair became a testament to resilience, community, and the transformative power of wellness and determination.
Rashad acknowledged that other buildings within the Bedrock database of properties were available as potential new locations for JABS Gym. However, he knew that relocating wouldn’t make sense financially or symbolically. “It just wouldn’t make sense when it comes to cost,” Rashad explained. “This space is ours. It holds the history, the energy, and the connection we’ve built with this community. We were determined to rebuild what we knew was ours, not start over somewhere else.” His resolve underscored a commitment not just to the physical space but to the legacy and relationships that JABS Gym has fostered in Eastern Market.
Fourteen months after the walls came crashing down, JABS Gym is back, reclaiming the space they never stopped calling home. The energy is raw, unapologetic, and rooted in everything Detroit stands for: resilience, strength, and pride. For Rashad, it was never about finding a new location—it was about standing firm and rebuilding what belonged to them. “This is ours,” he made clear, and the community felt that truth in every brick laid, and every weight lifted. Now, the gym is alive again, the sound of gloves hitting bags echoing through walls that tell a story of determination and belonging. JABS isn’t just back—it’s home.
For Armond Rashad, the founder of JABS Gym Eastern Market, the building’s collapse represented more than a business disruption. It was a challenge to the vision he had carefully nurtured: a space where health, fitness, and community connection could thrive. Rashad believes deeply in the importance of health and wellness, especially for the Black community, where systemic inequities often limit access to such resources. At the same time, he is intentional about making JABS Gym a space for everyone, regardless of background. “Yes, we’re Black-owned, but we’re here for everybody,” Rashad often emphasizes. “Health and fitness are universal, and our doors are open to all.”
For over a decade, JABS Gym has cultivated a reputation as more than just a gym. With popularity across Metro Detroit, JABS Gym is a hub of inclusivity and empowerment. Its mission extends beyond physical fitness to mental and emotional well-being. Members come for the workouts but stay for the sense of belonging and
shared purpose that defines the gym’s culture. Rashad didn’t let the rubble stop him. From the moment the dust settled, his mission was clear: keep the gym’s heartbeat alive. “We are committed to health and well-being
in this city, and that commitment doesn’t falter just because the walls around us do,” Rashad declared. His words reflected not just a personal resolve but a call to action for his community, which would rally behind him over the next 14 months.
The collapse of the Eastern Market location threatened not only the building but the sanctuary it had become for so many. Rashad moved quickly to ensure that the community it served wouldn’t be lost. Within days, classes were relocated to The Eastern, a nearby venue, ensuring members could stay connected, active, and supported. For Rashad, this was non-negotiable. For the Black community, accessible health and wellness spaces like JABS Gym are not just nice to have—they’re critical. The disparities in access to healthcare, healthy food, and safe spaces for physical activity have long been systemic barriers to well-being. Rashad understands these challenges intimately and has worked tirelessly to make JABS Gym a space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to take control of their health. He also recognizes that fitness can be intimidating or inaccessible for
some, which is why JABS Gym emphasizes community and inclusivity over competition or exclusivity.
“This isn’t just a business for me,” Rashad shared. “It’s a mission. Health disparities in our community are real, and the only way we address them is by creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and encouraged to show up for themselves.”
The rebuilding process of the 2501 Russell Street location was far from simple. As a historic structure, the building required careful planning and collaboration to restore. Yet, Rashad approached it not as a setback but as an opportunity to reimagine what JABS Gym could be. Over the 14 months it took to reopen, his focus remained unwavering: ensuring that the gym not only returned but did so stronger, better, and more equipped to serve its members and the larger Detroit community.
While Jabs Gym’s reopening is a major milestone, Rashad is quick to point out that the journey doesn’t end here. His vision is rooted in creating lasting change, both within the gym’s walls and in the broader community. He wants JABS Gym to be a model for what health and wellness spaces can look like—welcoming, inclusive, and unapologetically focused on uplifting everyone, particularly those who have been historically
marginalized.
The collapse of 2501 Russell Street also marked a turning point for Detroit vs. Everybody, another Black-owned business that had long been part of the building’s legacy. The iconic brand relocated downtown to The District, where it has continued to thrive, expanding its influence and impact. Its work on projects like Vice President
Kamala Harris’s “Kamala for Everybody” campaign demonstrates its ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire, even in the face of adversity.
Together, the stories of JABS Gym and Detroit vs. Everybody reflect the resilience that defines Detroit. They remind us that even when structures fall, the spirit of a community can rebuild stronger than ever. For Rashad, this journey has reinforced his belief in the power of health and fitness to transform lives. “We’re not just back; we’re stronger,” Rashad reflected. “This gym is a place to rebuild yourself, to find strength you didn’t know you had, and to know that you’re part of something bigger.”
This is the story of Detroit. It’s a story of rebuilding, reimagining, and reclaiming what matters most. And it’s a story that reminds us all that no matter how hard the fall, what we do next defines who we are. For Rashad and the countless lives touched by JABS Gym, the answer to that question is clear: rise, rebuild, and thrive.
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