Batavia goes to mat for downtown yoga studio
By Linda Girardi For The Beacon-News September 14, 2012 2:26PM
Updated: October 17, 2012 6:34AM
BATAVIA — Aldermen are leaning toward providing an incentive for a yoga studio to locate downtown.
The Community Development Committee voted unanimously to provide a $25,000 downtown improvement grant to Kay Eck of Wheaton, who wants to open a yoga studio at 5 and 7 N. River St. The City Council is expected to consider the grant Monday night.
Eck told aldermen said she is interested in renovating 2,500 square feet of existing space for retail space and a yoga studio. She received a low bid of $121,251 for the renovations.
“I have signed a lease, so I am hoping to get in there and do something. I would not be able to make the improvements at the level of quality I want. It is important to yoga that the environment be right,” Eck said.
The city’s grant program offers matching grants to business owners interested making improvements to a building that would enhance the economic viability and appearance of the downtown. Applicants are eligible for up to 50 percent of the actual improvement costs.
“There is an interest in yoga out here, but there is a pocket not being served, Eck said.
“Yoga is growing quite a bit — mainstream medicine is increasingly recommending yoga as therapy.”
Eck said she eventually would like to grow the business to include a full café and offer wellness programming.
