Parsons Avenue development East Public has found its final tenant. The Space yoga studio will join plant-centric restaurant Comune, Parsons North Brewing and office tenants Compton Construction and Sidecar Creative, in a block of adaptive re-use buildings bringing a crop of new businesses to the South Side.
The Space puts Josie Schweitzer back at the helm of her own yoga studio. Previously the owner of Short North’s Thank Yoga, Schweitzer sold the business a few years ago to focus on new trainings and practices.
Schweitzer knew she would come back to her own studio, but she’s back on the owner’s mat more quickly than expected.
“I’m more ready than ever,” she says. “It’s such a nice feeling having done this before, it feels like a smoother ride.”
When looking for her next space, Schweitzer knew she would know it when she saw it.
“I knew that it needed to be the right place and I knew that I wanted it somewhere that wasn’t already oversaturated with the practice,” Schweitzer says.
She had already been looking at spaces along Parsons Avenue when friend and Comune Owner Brook Maikut introduced her to East Public. Schweitzer had her a-ha moment when she discovered the leasable space in the rear of the development.
Schweitzer is eager to be part of a changing neighborhood that’s bringing new businesses into previously vacant storefronts like Two Dollar Radio and All People’s Fresh Market. She’s excited to add yoga to the list of amenities available in the community.
The Space will offer group open classes for all levels, as well as a few more advanced classes. Schweitzer also plans to incorporate ideology inspired by her latest certification in Katonah yoga.
“My yoga philosophy is simple,” Schweitzer says. “I believe that yoga is a way of life. Working together, we show up to our mats to refine our skills we can use in the world. The practice is a constant. We learn how to use it in all aspects of what we do, ironing out what doesn’t work, and improving as we go. It is an ongoing process.”
Additionally, The Space will host some fun new workshops that Schweitzer hasn’t offered before, and will look for opportunities to incorporate other local businesses into events. Schweitzer will also look to utilize the outdoor space that’s a shared amenity for the development.
The Space, located at 687 Parsons Ave., is slated to open some time in October. For more information, follow The Space on Instagram.