Eve's Garden prepares for grand opening

Renovation and remodeling work came to a halt one recent Saturday as visitors to Eve's Garden strolled through the yet-to-be completed wellness center for women.

Minty Gordon, owner of the business located in the former Cory Everson's building at West Town Market Square on Washington Road, said work has resumed in preparation for the facility's opening.

"We really want people in here that want better for themselves and want health and wellness," said Gordon, who is educated in naturopathic medicine. "We want to keep offering activities to keep members coming back. We really want to pamper and take care of women."

Robin Smith of Martinez was just one of dozens of women strolling through the building and getting a glimpse of what the center would offer.

"I think it's really cool," said Smith, a part-time student who also works full time.

Smith has been a member of other fitness centers but lost interest after the first three or four months.

Eve's Garden will accept only 700 memberships, which will help maintain a focus on each individual's personal goals and well-being, Gordon said.

"We want our members to participate," said Gordon, adding that senior and student memberships are available and corporate discounts will be given. "We will show you exactly how to adjust the cardio equipment for your height and how to do repetitions."

Among some of the services that Eve's Garden will offer are cardio and weight classes, a cafe featuring organic fruits, vegetables, coffees and teas, a holistic spa, facials, manicures and pedicures and an aquatics center.

"We are the first holistic spa in Augusta," Gordon said. "All of our massage therapy is geared toward therapeutic massage - no synthetic products are used on the body."

Gordon said the idea for opening a wellness center like Eve's Garden came about because she continually went out of town for spa treatments. She kept asking herself why Augusta didn't offer such services.

"I wanted something locally," she said. "You can get everything, literally, under one roof."