The Lady of America gym on Imola Avenue in Napa shut its doors unexpectedly last week, but will reopen under new ownership by Oct. 24, according to a company executive.

"The closing was unauthorized," said Jill Cook, executive vice president with Lady of America Franchise Corporation. She said she was "shocked" to discover the fitness club wasn't open.

Jan Harder of Shelter Bay Retail Group, the management firm for River Park Shopping Center, said she could not comment on the Lady of America closure due to "legal action."

A message left for Laura Dayton, operator of the women-only fitness center since it opened a few years ago, was not returned.

While Lady of America corporate officials attempt to contact former employees from the River Park Shopping Center location, a team of corporate employees will re-open the gym, she said.

"We're going to get it back up and running," said Cook.

Paid members will receive a credit for the amount of time the gym is closed. Lady of America will reopen with the same, if not longer hours, she said. Childcare will remain available.

"The gym will be run the same, if not better, with the same amenities," said Cook.

More than 1,500 women belong to the club. Until the club reopens, Lady of America members are welcome to use the Lady of America gym in Fairfield.

The Lady of America Franchise Corporation, based in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., operates more than 600 franchised units worldwide under four brands: Lady of America, Ladies Workout Express, Workout Express and Health Clubs of America. The company was established in 1984 and franchised since 1989.

Cook said the Imola Street Lady of America franchise is available for purchase.

Members with other questions can contact Lady of America Customer Service at 1-800-833-LADY.