Lawrence Athletic Club was turning away customers from its east location Wednesday, after shutting down for undisclosed legal reasons, the owner said.

“We didn’t want to close the facility, that’s not our wish, but that’s what’s happening,” said owner Rick Sells, giving no insight into what prompted the closure.

Customers of the gym, located at 1202 E. 23rd Street, east of Haskell Avenue, were being told their memberships would be valid at the club’s north location, 3201 Mesa Way, located near Sixth Street and Lawrence Avenue. Sells said customers could contact him in writing if they have questions about their membership.

The east facility is owned by Caspian Group LC, according to Douglas County appraiser’s records. Caspian Group representative George Paley, of Lawrence, refused comment about the situation Wednesday, citing a pending lawsuit. No lawsuits have been filed recently against LAC or Sells, according to Douglas County Court records.

Several other gyms opened in October in Lawrence, including Maximus Fitness and Wellness, 2339 Iowa, and Lawrence Snap Fitness, 1800 E. 23rd St.

In 2006, Sells told the Journal-World he questioned whether the Lawrence market could sustain competition.