A most dynamite duplex: new HQ for Peace Love Hip Hop and CrossFit Discovery

Disco ball reflections shine on one floor, chalk dust settles on the other. Sneakers squeak in unison opposite a staggered symphony of falling barbells. Under her direction, eight-counts run on repeat to near-perfection; under his, rounds for time recur to near-exhaustion.

This is the brand spankin-new headquarters for Peace Love Hip Hop and CrossFit Discovery on Daniel Island. It is fresh construction, physically housing (but hardly containing) both the studio and gym under one roof. And it’s owned by an island resident husband and wife team. Angel Roberts started the PLHH movement inside rented space almost a decade ago. Robert VanNewkirk coached the first CFD class in his home garage in 2009. In the years that followed, both businesses would outgrow multiple spaces. So to create their own was almost always the plan.

“As soon as we moved here in 2007, we realized that Daniel Island is a very special place because of how close everything is,” VanNewkirk recalls. “It's amazing how you can walk (or bike/cart) to everything you need. We wanted our business to be an extension of that lifestyle and allow for CrossFit and hip hop to be a central part of such a close-knit community.”

But it wouldn’t be a cohabitation of convenience. Despite the obvious markings of distinction between the two recreational phenomena – heavier loads in the gym versus heavier bass in the studio, to name just a couple – they share many of the same celebrated hallmarks. Truly fun fitness. A supportive, inclusive community. An all-out sweat-fest. And what is a hip hop booty drop, really, if not just a sassier CrossFit air squat?

There are more synergies to the pair of programs, as well. For one, they “share” many of the same families. Several CFD athletes are parents of youth PLHH dancers, and many of the adult hip hoppers supplement dance with CrossFit. “We wanted to make sure that the whole family had a place to go where they could be together, have fun, and be active,” says Roberts of the combined facility.

There were also some efficiencies to be observed, with shared lobby space, in-house physical therapy, a kids’ play area, and men and women’s showers. And before the amenities were built into the new building, they were just a few of the notions inside the heads of the entrepreneurial duo. “We have been dreaming and talking about the space for years,” says Roberts. “It's been such a fun design project!”

The owners worked with architects Richard Gowe and Rush Dixon; Dan Sweeney and his Stumphouse Design team; and contractor David Iaria, President of T.A. Iaria, Inc. But it seems that it has also been a labor of love that has been touched by those who have become part of the PLHH and CFD “families” over the years. “We have had so much support from our community that we really want to thank everyone,” states Roberts. “It's amazing how many people have offered their help with this project.”

Knowing their dancers and athletes as they do, what did these business owners anticipate would cause the biggest freak-outs at the unveiling of the new studio and gym?

“In CrossFit, people are going to lose their minds over the back porch and the spaciousness of the new gym,” predicts VanNewkirk. “With the huge amount of open floor and the big rollup doors, it’s really going to feel like you are working out in a beautiful, outdoor space.”

For the hip hoppers, Roberts has just one question: “Have you seen the six-foot disco ball?” It’s one of the biggest ones on the east coast.

“There are so many things that we love about the building and are most excited about all of the SPACE,” Roberts gushes about the 2,500 square foot studio and 3,500 square foot gym. “We can't wait to have huge dance parties and big group CrossFit classes. More space = more friends!” And you know what they say… Friends that sweat together, stay together. Regardless which side of this movement mecca you enter.

CrossFit Discovery currently offers morning, noon, and evening classes Monday through Friday and morning class on Saturday. Peace Love Hip Hop offers afternoon youth classes throughout the week, and adult classes in the evening. More classes will be added, so visit crossfitdiscovery.com and peacelovehiphop.com for the most current information. Watch for summer camp information in the coming months as well.