The goal of adaptive reuse of a historic building is to bring new life to an existing building, and maybe, a totally new purpose – all while preserving the essence of that place. If we know that places have energy and affect mood, then yoga studios are a creative fit to literally breathe new life into existing buildings. In Maryland, we have found four yoga studios in Maryland to experience this ancient meditative practice in a beautiful historic building:
Sol Yoga
Frederick, Frederick County
Located in historic downtown Frederick, the Sol Yoga studio occupies the the first two floors of a beautifully maintained historic building. Rejuvenate your energy in the company of the vibrant Frederick community, closely tied to Maryland’s history. It’s easy to find and parking is available in the rear of the building.
Capital Yoga Studio
Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Yoga enthusiasts can pursue the path to wellness near the water at Capital Yoga Studio in Annapolis. Situated close to St. John’s College and the Maryland State House, Capital Yoga Studio has taken up residence in the historic Opera House Building. Guests can breathe easy surrounded by cathedral-like windows, exposed brick, and airy studio space.
A Mindful Yoga Studio
Westminster, Carroll County
A Mindful Yoga Studio occupies the historic Times Building in the heart of Westminster’s historic downtown area, previously the home of the ca. 1911 Time Printing Company that later became the Carroll County Times in 1956. The building has been renovated to maintain the historic charm and create a dynamic business location. The original tin ceilings and walls from the 1930s were uncovered during the renovation and preserved.
Bridges Fitness and Yoga
Bethesda, Montgomery County
The historic Bethesda Post Office is in the process of being converted into a yoga-centric fitness venue after sitting unoccupied for the past four years. Originally built in 1938 as a New Deal project, the current owners will be preserving the building’s exterior, believing that the history and architecture of the former post office will assist their patrons in feeling grounded in the space – a concept that is very important in the spiritual discipline of yoga. The interior renovations to the historic structure should be completed in the spring of 2017. Bridges Fitness and Yoga currently occupies a temporary space in the Bethesda Crescent Building.
Bethesda Post Office, 2010. Photo by Oscar Beisert for the Maryland Historical Trust.
Lead in photo from Capital Yoga Studio. This post was written by Rachel Rettaliata, one of Preservation Maryland’s Waxter Interns. Rachel’s work with us focuses on communications and advocacy. She is a Fulbright Scholar, and will be attending the historic preservation program at the University of Maryland next fall. Learn more about Rachel and our intern program here: presmd.org/waxter.