After years of delay, construction has finally begun on a new yoga studio at 227 Church Street (at Market), formerly Aardvark Books.
It was back in 2019 when Hoodline first reported that a new yoga studio was planned at the former bookshop.
Aardvark Books was forced to close in January 2019, after more than 40 years in business, because its building was sold in October 2018. The deal, valued at $2.4 million, came with the requirement that the commercial space be delivered empty to the new owner.
Since that time, the project had stalled until Thursday when construction crews were spotted inside the space.
Construction has started at 227 Church Street. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
The yoga studio owners have remained elusive since the project was first announced. According to public records, the yoga studio will be called "Parhelion."
David Salazar, who represented the property owners back in 2019, did not respond to a request for comment. Previously, Salazar told Hoodline that the owners are a couple currently living in San Francisco, and this will be their first yoga studio.
The project's permit expediter Corbin Jones of GBA Inc. also did not respond to a request for comment. After publication, Jones confirmed the project was scaled back.
"The scale of the project was dialed back after the pandemic, but it is moving forward with full historical restoration of interiors and new exterior," said Jones.
Public records indicate the project has been scaled back from the original proposal to expand into the basement and add a second floor. The project has now been reduced to only the ground floor.
Inside the former Aardvark Bookstore at 227 Church St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
The yoga studio is being designed by Feldman Architecture. Renderings show a central workout space with room for approximately 42 people, along with retail space, bathrooms, and a storage area.
Proposed new floor plan. | Image: SF Planning
The Castro fitness trend continues to flex its muscles with a multitude of options for fitness enthusiasts.
The new yoga studio will join the ever-growing number of fitness studios and gyms in the area including the recently opened pilates-inspired studio [solidcore], Live Fit Gym, Flagship Training, CorePower Yoga, Barry's, MX3 Fitness, Fitness SF, CoreMVMT, Bright Star Pilates, Alex Fitness, and SoulCycle.
The trend was slightly deflated when small group workout studio The Boombox shuttered but it has since been replaced by Body at 2275 Market.
Hoodline will update this story as we learn more about the yoga studio.
Thanks to Hoodline tipster Ralph H. If you've seen something new (or closing) in the neighborhood, text your tips and photos to (415) 200-3233, or email [email protected]. If we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit.
