Back in the 1970s and 80s, you would drive to 417 Monument Road in Grand Junction to watch a movie. In the 90s and into the new millennium you would go to this address to get a killer workout at the valley's most hardcore gym. Today, you can go there to get a drive thru pizza.

By now you've seen the construction at 417 Monument Road, the former home of Ultimate Fitness, and long before that, the Monument Twin Cinemas. The first business to open in the newly remodeled building is a Pizza Hut, proudly equipped with a drive-thru pickup window.

Pizza Hut on Monument Road new Drive Thru
Waylon Jordan
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How cool is that? Yes, those on Rosevale Road, Little Park Road, and Monument Road, and for that matter, all of Broadway, now have their own Pizza Hut. The drive up window is excellent, too.

Speaking as a lifelong resident of Grand Junction, I have a lengthy history with this location. Looking back, here's a partial list of movies I can recall seeing at 417 Monument Road:

  • Star Trek: The Motion Picture
  • Jaws
  • Poltergeist
  • The Empire Strikes Back
  • Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
  • Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown
  • Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
  • Rocky III

Eventually, the concept of the movie multiplex came to town, and a twin cinema was no longer a big deal. Enter the next business on the scene, Ultimate Fitness. The owners immediately leveled the floor and "POOF," the valley had a new gym.

Ultimate Fitness rapidly made a name for itself as the valley's most intense gym. The place cranked out a ton of bodybuilding champions over the years. Those of us living on Little Park Road found it nice to have a nearby gym, especially one offering showers (many of us on Little Park are on cisterns).

After a 15 year run, Ultimate Fitness closed their doors. A handful of places occupied the space for awhile. Eventually, a new owner took over, and before long, the tractors and construction crews arrived. Remodeling has been underway for some time, and it looks like the project is nearing completion. One business is already open.

Welcome aboard Pizza Hut. The residents of the area are glad to welcome your new location. Please know you are operating out of a treasured location. Several great businesses have occupied that space. Here's wishing you a long, prosperous run.

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