Ben Carter Enterprises Announces New Retailers, Adds to the Local Presence on Broughton Street

Staff Report From Savannah CEO

Thursday, January 29th, 2015

Ben Carter Enterprises has signed a number of new leases on Broughton Street. Among the latest to sign is Savannah local Shelley Lowther, owner of Dancing Dogs Yoga Studios.

Lowther plans to open her fourth Yoga Studio at 18 East Broughton Street sometime this spring. Renovations are under way in the 2500 sq ft space to accommodate the new 60 mat studio complete with full shower facilities. The centralized location and the planned upgrades will allow Lowther to draw local Savannah residents, the downtown office community as well as visitors.

Lowther comments, “I didn’t realize how much I missed Savannah, until I got back here. I had been looking for space in Savannah for a few months and have been following the Broughton Street project. I like what Ben Carter is up to and wanted to be a part of the transformation.”

Working with Beth Vantosh of Vantosh Realty Group, Lowther was able to find the perfect space which also allowed her and her husband to trade in her 25 minute suburban commute for a convenient walk by relocating to the residential loft above the new studio space. The move represents a shift in lifestyle for the couple and enables them to make other changes such as getting rid of their second car.

Ben Carter’s vision for the street has included a mix of great locals, national brands and unique, up and coming regional retailers. “We are thrilled to be able to bring a Savannah local back downtown. The addition of the Yoga studio is a great compliment to the enhanced amenities we are working to deliver for the Broughton Street corridor,” says Carter.

Lowther likes this particular block because of the local presence, including her childhood friend, Ruel Joyner of 24e, Levy Jewelers and Department 7 East.

“There are some strong locals that have been doing a great job of bringing people back downtown. I feel like this block is the heart of downtown Savannah, and I am just excited to be a part of the transformation,” says Lowther of her new neighborhood.

Lowther will open a temporary studio at 223 West Broughton while her new studio is under construction. The temporary space will start offering a full schedule of classes in February, with a grand opening on February 2nd. Classes will include Baptiste™ yoga, Pilates and nutrition advice from a certified IIN Nutrition Coach.  

“I am grateful that Ben Carter Enterprises has been so accommodating in giving me a temporary space while my new studio is being renovated. I am just so excited to bring my yoga practice back to my home town, the energy and support I have received from the downtown community has been overwhelming.”

The Dancing Dogs Yoga Studio specializes in Baptiste™ yoga designed to empower and inspire. To view the schedule of available classes visit www.dancingdogsyogasavannah.com.

Other tenants to join the Broughton Street Collection include L’Occitane, which opened its doors on Black Friday, Goorin Brothers Hat Shop and lululemon Athletica, both slated for early spring openings. They join J. Crew, Palm Avenue and Ancient Olive who have already opened stores as part of Carter’s project.