SOUTH HAVEN | Dave Saylor said he had no other choice but to close the doors of the Fitness Barn earlier this week.

Increased competition and his own growing consulting firm helped him make the decision to close the health club, a staple in South Haven since 1981.

"We simply couldn't provide the type of services and complete with the low-end guy with the storefront shops or the high-end like the hospitals or the nonprofits," Saylor said Wednesday.

A sign on the facility's door informed the members of the closing and told them any refunds due were mailed out Saturday, May 26. They were asked to call (219) 763-2397 for questions.

The club had between 700 and 750 members, Saylor said.

"The market has changed considerably in 26 years," he said, adding the business was started by his father when the steel mills were economically healthier and corporate memberships were the norm.

In addition, Saylor said his consulting firm, Utility Services Corp., is expanding and will use about half of the building. Saylor, who owns South Haven Sewer Works, said he has developed technology to locate leaks in underground pipes and is working to further develop that technology.

Saylor said he would be interested in leasing out the exercise area of the building to a "storefront club."