NY Loves Yoga / GoFundMe
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A beloved Upper West Side yoga studio is seeking community support after sustaining significant damage in a recent fire.
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NY Loves Yoga, located at 140 West 83rd Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues), was forced to close following an early morning blaze on October 27. The fire, which began around 5:00 a.m. and was brought under control by 5:34 a.m., started in the building’s lobby and spread through parts of the four-story brownstone that houses multiple businesses, including Candlestick Pilates and NY Loves Yoga.While no injuries were reported, NY Loves Yoga’s space suffered extensive damage. In a post shared on Instagram shortly after the fire, the studio wrote, “No one was hurt within the building, but our beloved Studio is badly damaged. Send us good thoughts. Until we learn more or can make a new path, the studio is closed.”
Now, the studio has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help rebuild and sustain operations during the recovery period. As of writing, the fundraiser has already drawn more than $21,000 in donations toward its $200,000 goal.
Founded in 2011 by MJ Watkins, NY Loves Yoga has long been known as a welcoming, down-to-earth sanctuary for local yogis. The GoFundMe describes the studio as “an old-school yoga studio—no frills, down to earth quality teaching in a safe and inviting space,” and highlights its role as both a neighborhood gathering spot and a small business in the heart of the Upper West Side.
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According to the campaign, the fire destroyed the lobby, bathrooms, and most of the studio’s equipment. Donations will help fund renovations, teacher and staff salaries, rent for a temporary studio space, and replacement of essential items such as yoga mats, blocks, blankets, and technology.“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the kind words and support we have already received from our community,” the studio wrote. “With your support, we will be back at the studio and practicing together as soon as possible.”
To learn more or contribute, visit the GoFundMe page here.
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