A Kansas-based health club announced that it is buying the former Sears building at Southridge Mall in Des Moines and converting the 105,000-square-foot structure into a fitness and athletic complex. The redevelopment of the site is expected to cost $13.5 million. When completed, the complex will include weights, cardio, child care, luxury locker rooms, five basketball courts and an indoor swimming pool. Last summer, the Business Record reported that Genesis Health Clubs, whose corporate headquarters are in Wichita, had proposed redeveloping the site and 10 adjacent acres. Rodney Steven II, president and owner of the health club, said in a prepared statement that the health club is working with the city of Des Moines to provide “heavily discounted access, programming, and leagues to disadvantaged kids in the area. Kids who participate in sports and exercise stay out of trouble, do better in school, and are more successful in life.” Last summer, the Des Moines City Council directed city officials to work with mall owners and Genesis Health Clubs on a development agreement that would include up to $7.4 million in financial assistance in the form of tax increment financing.