Ben Carter Enterprises has announced a few new leases on Broughton Street as the developer continues restoration and renovation work on several of his buildings along the corridor.
Among the newly inked leases are Lululemon Athletica, Goorin Brothers Hat Shop and local yoga studio Dancing Dogs Yoga, according to a Wednesday press release.
Dancing Dogs is owned by local resident Shelley Lowther, who moved back to Savannah a little more than a year ago with her husband.
“I really wanted to bring what I do and what I love home,” Lowther said. “My intention is to make Savannah my home base.”
This will be Lowther’s fourth yoga studio — she co-owns spaces in Augusta, Bluffton and Greensboro, N.C. — and it will open on the second floor of 18 E. Broughton Street. Once construction is complete, the space will accommodate 60 mats and full shower facilities.
She said she plans to teach Baptiste yoga, a heated Vinyasa-style practice that emphasizes natural breathing and movement.
“This yoga is definitely intended for anyone to walk in and follow along,” she said. “It’s really accessible to all levels.”
While renovations are underway, Lowther will temporarily operate at 223 W. Broughton. This space will host her grand opening Feb. 2 with a 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. class followed by a full schedule of 34 classes a week, including Pilates and nutrition classes.
Lowther and her husband have
also taken up residence along Broughton in a third-floor loft above her future yoga studio. She said this lifestyle shift has allowed them to shed one of their cars and immerse themselves in city culture.
“It’s definitely a different lifestyle, being able to walk everywhere and get everything you need in one vibrant location,” she said.
Although increased rents have caused a few businesses to relocate to other corners of the Historic District, Lowther said she’s had a good experience with finding her space and described the rent as fair.
“Ben Carter and his team have been easy to work with and a pleasure to work with,” she said.
Lululemon and the Goorin Brothers are both slated for early spring openings. Other newer additions to the strip include retailers L’Occitane, J. Crew, Palm Avenue and Ancient Olive.
In a statement, Carter reiterated his goal of having a retail mix of local, regional and national brands.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring a Savannah local back downtown,” he said. “The addition of the yoga studio is a great complement to the enhanced amenities we are working to deliver for the Broughton Street corridor.”
