Pilates studio coming to 300 Ridge Street after BAR approval

For many years, 300 Ridge Street was the home of Don’s Florist, a business that has now moved to a new location on Pantops.

That leaves a building constructed in 1995 whose owners want to transform the structure for the 21st century. The property is within the Ridge Street Architectural Design Control District.

That means going through the Board of Architectural Review, an appointed body that took up a certificate of appropriateness application on August 19. A preliminary discussion was held in January according to the city’s historic preservation planner.

“It’s in an area that’s very industrial commercial,” said Jeff Werner. “I think one of the most interesting things about this that came out when you listen to the meeting was the enthusiasm for the continued use of this site and that this allows activities on the street.”

The plans are for a two-story addition next to the existing building. An entity called 300 Ridge LLC bought the property on May 2, 2025 for $1.05 million.

“The prospective buyer intends to expand their Pilates and physical therapy business into a larger facility that better accommodates their operational needs,” reads the narrative included in the materials submitted for the BAR review. “While the current building meets approximately 65% of their functional requirements, an addition is necessary to support essential equipment, provide sufficient space for client services, and allow for expanded physical therapy treatment areas.”

The project was supported by the BAR member Ronald Bailey.

“I think it’s very elegant design for a space that’s really boring right now,” said BAR member. “I think it’ll be an enhancement to the block,” Bailey said.

The vote was unanimous.

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