Innovative Movement and Wellness Hub Signs Full-Building Lease at 107 Preston Street in Mt. Vernon

 TRIBE, co-founded by Lola Manekin, Barri DeFrancisci and Gary Grisham, incorporates fitness studios, recovery program and school into 6,000 square foot space designed to transform local wellness landscape.

TRIBE, an innovative movement and wellness school that is the brainchild of co-founders Lola Manekin, Barri DeFrancisci and Gary Grisham and was formed to offer a full spectrum of transformative practices designed to achieve the optimum mind-body connection, is set to open at 107 E. Preston Street in the Mount Vernon section of Baltimore City on April 6. The group signed a full-building lease with MCB Real Estate for 6,000 square feet of space and expects to employ between 20 and 25 people at the space formerly occupied by Charm City Yoga. Patrick Smith, SIOR and Chris Boland, both Vice Presidents at MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services, LLC, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Using Earth’s five elements – earth, fire, metal, water, and wood – as its guiding foundation, TRIBE will offer exercise, stretching and fitness classes encompassing AntiGravity Fitness, Calisthenics, Dance, Mixed Martial Arts, Pilates, and Yoga, as well as cutting-edge recovery and healing programs such as infrared sauna and cold plunges. Participants will also have the opportunity to fully explore their mind-body connection and partake in therapeutic experiences with breathwork sessions, meditation classes and sound baths. The two-story space is outfitted with a lounge area designed for people to gather, connect or simply be present, as well as a full kitchen suitable for special event activities, private showers and changing areas and bathrooms.

According to Lola Manekin, most people live their lives “from the head up,” and do not fully understand the power of the body to “heal itself, positively impact every aspect of their wellbeing and overall wellness,” nor do they know where to turn to for a holistic approach to health and healing. “TRIBE’s overall mission is to enable people to feel present in the moment, offer practices and techniques that are therapeutic to the mind and body, and create an immersive environment that encourages people to explore and enhance their mind-body connection,” Manekin said.

The three like-minded professionals have joined forces to create a “one-of-a-kind health and wellness concept that will be truly multi-generational,” with programs suited for toddlers, senior citizens, and everyone in-between. The group initiated collaborative efforts after Manekin founded Movement Lab and DeFrancisci created and managed Motion Collective. Grisham functioned as a manager and instructor at Movement Lab.

Manekin will lead Body Alchemistra dance, Yoga and AntiGravity Restorative classes, while also teaching Breath Journeys, Healing Circles, Deep Feminine Practices, and a Couples Workshop, together with her husband Thibault. DeFrancisci will teach a range of movement practices including Yoga classes for all levels, mat Pilates, parent-child dance classes, as well as yoga philosophy classes, and yoga practitioner and teacher trainings. Grisham will focus on Fire & Ice contrast therapy, calisthenics, weightlifting and a kids and teens program. TRIBE will also host weekend special events and workshops addressing health and wellness interests ranging from persons initially exploring the options to seasoned practitioners.

“With the volume and variety of boutique health and wellness concepts available in the marketplace, it can be difficult and confusing for consumers to choose what best fits their specific needs and matches their philosophy,” explained DeFrancisci. “TRIBE leverages elements of Chinese medicine to guide our teachings and offerings, and it is a priority to embody these concepts and offer experiences that are greater than themselves. We think of ourselves as a school rather than a gym. TRIBE will continually evolve to make sure everyone is connected and has the same intentions. And the entire family, from kids to grandparents, will find something that is valuable.”

TRIBE is intentionally working to attract a male audience and expose more men to the physical arts and a well-rounded movement practice. “Grunting while lifting heavy weights, sweating profusely and only working on a small portion of the body is an unfortunate male stereotype, and we intend to better educate men about the importance of bringing a holistic approach to their workout regime,” stated Grisham. “We do see attitudes changing and men increasingly receptive to a well-rounded approach. Athletes are singing the praises of cryotherapy, infrared therapy and the importance of stretching, a practice which resonates with men. TRIBE brings virtually every holistic and movement-oriented practice under one roof so audiences can easily learn about and test-drive new concepts.”

Built in 1900 and renovated in 2015, 107 E. Preston Street is positioned adjacent to Interstate 83 (Jones Falls Expressway), Station North Arts District and the University of Baltimore. The site is served by mass transportation systems, and Baltimore Penn Station is less than one-half mile away.

“We are all passionate about Baltimore and we decided from the start that TRIBE would be situated in the city, to continue to serve our many loyal students and to start a new movement that we intend to establish regionally if not nationally,” DeFrancisci said. “107 E. Preston Street has a fantastic history and tremendous energy based on its former use by Charm City Yoga, and the wood floors and intimate rooms provide the perfect setting for our classes and workshops. We love the historical significance of the Mt. Vernon area and people have many fond memories of taking classes in the building. Our mission is to take that interest to the next level.”

“Free-standing buildings available for single-use tenants are increasingly difficult to find in Baltimore City, and 107 E. Preston Street satisfied every important real estate need required by TRIBE and will require minimal new tenant fit-out activities to become operational,” stated MacKenzie’s Patrick Smith. “The three co-owners are successful entrepreneurs with a loyal following and we believe that this innovative concept will significantly raise the awareness and raise the bar in the health and wellness category. In MCB Real Estate, TRIBE has a highly-motivated and engaged landlord that will work diligently to assure its success.”

MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services is the real estate brokerage arm of The MacKenzie Companies, which operates six full-service divisions addressing all real estate asset classes, including MacKenzie Management Company, LLC; MacKenzie Contracting Company, LLC; MacKenzie Capital, LLC; MacKenzie Investment Group, LLC; and MacKenzie Multifamily Management, LLC. The company provides customized real estate solutions for institutional owners, investors, private companies, and individuals. For additional information, visit www.mackenziecommercial.com