New Pilates Studio Opens at 113 N. Broadway

The Center Studio offers independent classes in a downtown building purchased by owner Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold vector editorial illustration of a historic red brick building facade with a clean storefront window, representing new local business. — McKay Bram opened The Center Studio in October 2026, occupying a renovated historic storefront on North Broadway in downtown Rochester. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe shared pop-up spaces are a good way to revitalize downtown areas?

McKay Bram, a certified clinical exercise specialist, began offering Pilates classes at the Center Studio in Rochester in October 2026. The new space occupies a storefront within a historic building complex on North Broadway.

Why it matters

The studio provides an independent environment for residents to access personalized training outside of a traditional club setting. The initiative also supports efforts to add vitality to the downtown area by repurposing historic real estate.

The facility at 113 N. Broadway features two reformer machines, a Pilates chair, and various mats. The building complex, which also houses the Griot Arts bookshop, was purchased by Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara for $1.25 million.

The players

McKay Bram

She is a certified clinical exercise specialist who also serves as an instructor at the Rochester Athletic Club.

Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara

She is the owner of the building at 113 N. Broadway and the adjacent Griot Arts bookshop.

Ashante Gills

She is a yoga instructor who conducts classes at the Center Studio.

The details

The studio space was created when Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara converted an empty storefront in the 100-year-old building to encourage local business growth. McKay Bram continues to maintain her professional role as an instructor at the Rochester Athletic Club while teaching classes at the new location.

August 2026: Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara purchased the building complex.
October 2026: McKay Bram started teaching at the Center Studio.

Market Landscape

The studio launch follows a pattern set by the downtown urban revitalization movement, which encourages the conversion of vacant storefronts to improve local economic vitality. This approach positions the development as a grassroots effort to increase foot traffic in the city center.

Residents can now book small-group or individual Pilates sessions directly through the independent studio. These sessions provide an alternative training environment for those seeking fitness options outside of the larger Rochester Athletic Club.

The takeaway

Small-scale studio spaces allow specialized instructors to offer tailored fitness programs to the local community. These venues often thrive by repurposing older buildings to create accessible health resources in downtown neighborhoods.