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Detroit’s Kronk Gym Reopens at Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center

New leadership frames the revival as a community hub focused on youth development with pathways to professional boxing.

Overview

  • The storied boxing program opened Dec. 10 in a 3,500-square-foot space at 670 Wilkins St. inside the refurbished Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center.
  • Weekday operations include general fitness from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., with amateur and professional boxing training after 4 p.m., plus Saturday hours.
  • CEO Paul Bhatti says his team acquired the Kronk trademarks, while COO John Lepak casts the return as a Detroit-centered mission to rebuild the program.
  • The Brewster Wheeler building dates to 1929 and once hosted Joe Louis, and Kronk’s original west-side gym closed in 2006 before that site was destroyed by a 2017 fire.
  • Property owner MHT Housing is rehabilitating the center and has begun The Sanctuary next door, a 211‑unit affordable housing project slated for 2027.