Last Friday, April 10th, Wayne County CEO students had the opportunity to visit The Reserve & Vault 24/7 Fitness in Fairfield, Illinois. Owner and visionary Andrew Gifford led students on an impactful tour of his ongoing project aimed at bringing a “city living” experience to the Fairfield community.
Andrew is currently rehabilitating the former Peoples National Bank building on Southeast 3rd Street. He began the transformation in the basement, creatively incorporating the original bank vault into the design to create Vault 24/7 Fitness—a unique and dynamic workout space.
The street level now features fully leased retail space, housing a variety of services including chiropractic care, mental health services, a head spa, and office space for an oil company. The second and third floors are being developed into apartments, with Andrew aiming for substantial completion by Fall 2026.
Serving as his own general contractor, Andrew has navigated numerous challenges along the way—from raising capital and managing shipping delays to working through building codes and regulations. He remains passionate and enthusiastic about his business venture!
This visit provided students with a valuable, real-world look at entrepreneurship, perseverance, and vision in action. We look forward to future visits with Andrew to see how this exciting project continues to evolve.
