Photos: Two New Businesses in the Gayborhood

The city's gayest enclave gets a touch of Zen and something new from Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney

With iCandy‘s recent renovations, the swanky Rosewood bar opening up next to Woody’s and the imminent opening of bathhouse Club Body Center, it’s safe to say that the arrival of spring sees business blooming in the Gayborhood. In the past week, I’ve received word on two of the newest developments, one already finished and another on the way.

According to nightlifegay.com, Philly A-list chef Marcie Turney and her partner Valerie Safran have taken over the seemingly cursed spot on 13th and Locust. In a span of only a few years, the location has played home to a flood of tenants — from Bump to Q to Fish to Rhino — without much luck. If anyone can give it that Midas touch, though, it’s Turney and Safran. For now, the duo plans to move Lolita into the new spot while it undergoes a series of renovations that include a new bar. There’s no word on what will come after Lolita, but the above photo of a German-style picnic table (above), which was posted on Turney’s Twitter feed, prompted nightlifegay.com to predict there will be a beer garden in the courtyard. Their guess is as good as ours. Stay tuned for updates.

A branch of the region’s first eco-designed and -operated wellness boutique, Eviama Life Spa, is now open on 109 S. 13th St. The 2,000-square-feet, Asian-influenced sanctuary is outfitted with six of “treatment cabins” where customers can check in to get everything from an organic facial and body wrap to vibrational therapies and a good waxing. The spa is currently open for business, but it will host an official grand-opening party on Fri., May 3 at 6 p.m. Check out more photos of Eviama below.

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