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The Springfield News-Sun digs into stories about downtown Springfield redevelopment, including recent coverage of the demolition of the Crowell-Collier building and the sale of the former PNC Bank Building at 4 W. Main St.
Whitney Neal and Laura Jarzab named their new downtown Springfield yoga studio Revival because they wanted to promote the business as a health and fitness destination for area residents.
But they believe the name also fits with their plan to remodel a vacant office space and draw more businesses and residents to downtown Springfield.
Revival: The Art of Healing is a new yoga studio and tea bar expected to open in early January at 36-C N. Fountain Ave.
The space is still under renovation, but in just a few weeks they expect to open a bright yoga studio with hardwood floors, a a tea shop and space for retail items like healthy snacks.
“I see so much character,” Neal said. “There’s so much you can do here.”
Paul and Lois Culler, Jarzab’s aunt and uncle, own the Fair Trade Winds store next door, which her parents manage. Customers will likely be able to pass freely between the two stores, and Revival will likely sell some Fair Trade items like workout clothing.
It will also add another store to Fountain Avenue, which has seen new businesses like Bada Bing Pizzeria and The Hub Gallery in the past year.
“We want to work with everyone to revitalize downtown,” Jarzab said.
The Turner Foundation, which owns the building, has done a good job renovating the space that was formerly occupied by Meek’s Sporting Goods, said Theresa Hartley, a Center City Association board member. The city’s effort in 2013 to convert North Fountain Avenue into a two-way street has also helped draw more businesses to the area, she said.
“The remodel has a lot to do with it and there’s just been more interest in people locating downtown,” Hartley said. “We’ve worked hard to revitalize it and make it a place people want to be.”
The yoga studio and tea bar will provide another reason for residents to visit downtown, said Daren Cotter, chief financial officer for the Turner Foundation.
“It will be a nice fit to round out that building,” Cotter said.
Revival will have a small staff initially, with both Neal and Jarzab taking turns teaching lessons and working at the tea bar. Neal and Jarzab will soon be sisters-in-law, and said they have a mutual interest in health and fitness that will help the business succeed.
“We want to nurture it and watch it grow,” Neal said.
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