The owners of Studio 7 say they’re looking for a new location in the Perkins Road and South Acadian Thruway area after being blindsided on Monday with news that their suite in the Acadian Village Shopping Center is being leased to another fitness studio.
René Firesheets, one of Studio 7’s co-owners, says she and her partners learned via Daily Report that a franchise of the Portland-based barre3 signed a lease for the space at 3535 Perkins Road, Suite 380—where Studio 7 has been located for three years.
“We had no knowledge that there was a tenant coming in, and we had no knowledge that they were coming in October 1,” Firesheets says, adding that the business has been in good standing with its landlord, Crow Holdings, and is concerned about its clientele in light of the situation.
Speaking on behalf of Crow Holdings, Hilary Bransford of Vintage Realty, which handles leasing for the shopping center, says she can’t comment on any details regarding the lease.
“We wish Studio 7 the best,” Bransford says, acknowledging the timing issue and adding that the landlord is excited about barre3 moving in. “Studio 7 has a been a very good tenant of the property.”
In an email to customers sent on Monday, Studio 7 attributed the sudden turn of events to a “grossly negligent misstep and miscommunication by the landlord.”
Firesheets says Studio 7 doesn’t intend to contest the issue and will close on Sept. 30. The lease was set to end on Feb. 1, 2017.
“I’m certain we could continue to stay, but we’re choosing to go because the damage has been done,” she says.
As it looks for a new location in the area, Studio 7 is offering to serve clients at its other location at 9306 Perkins Road or the option of receiving a full refund on any classes they’ve already paid for.
—Alexandria Burris
