Members-Only Wellness and Social Club Opening in North Loop
The entrepreneurs behind a new members-only club are hoping that people want to combine their co-working space with their fitness center, spa, educational programming, all-day cafe and cocktail lounge all in one place for one monthly membership. EMBER will open next Spring at The Hall Lofts, located at N. 3rd St. and 6th Ave. N.
The name EMBER “is warm, and it signifies human potential, possibilities and growth,” explained Tony Vasquez, one of Ember’s co-founders.
The concept builds upon a similar club, called BIÂN, that co-founder Robb Leone opened in Chicago. One of Leone’s Chicago members developed The Hall Lofts, and invited him to tailor the all-inclusive club concept for North Loop.
Along with one-time initiation fees that start at $1000 (although Founding Members will pay less), EMBER’s monthly membership dues are $300 for those 30 years and older and $250 a month for those under 30. Membership includes access to a co-working space and a fitness center where members can choose from nearly 100 group classes each week, including strength training, yoga, mat Pilates and sound meditation in an infrared heated studio. Membership also includes access to the Thermal Lounge, which features a dry sauna, steam room and a cold plunge pool.
Rendering of EMBER’s fitness center provided by its co-founders.
Educational Programming + Social Clubs
EMBER will also offer a wide range of programming, including personal and professional development talks as well as social clubs like run clubs, book clubs or chess clubs. Offerings will be shaped by what members are most interested in and evolve as EMBER grows.
“What excites us most is the programming. We’re bringing in highly-respected thought leaders who will spark genuine interest among our members,” explained Leone. “There’s a different dynamic here, one that encourages and challenges people to figure out who they really are, what they want and who they want to become. When you surround yourself with aligned people and a real support system, personal growth and real friendships follow.”
Condensing Multiple Memberships Into One
“We’re providing, we think, an amazing value that no one else has met in this market,” said Vasquez.
When paying for a co-working space, a gym membership, spa and recovery treatments separately, Vasquez and Leone point out that it can all quickly add up to $1000 each month. “The reaction we are getting, it’s interesting,” said Leone. “People are like, ‘It’s only $300?’”
Café and Cocktail Lounge Open to the Public
EMBER will include Mattina, a café that’s open to the public where coffee, pastries and smoothies will be available, along with healthy, freshly-prepared breakfast and lunch items, and grab-and-go meals.
Pastries will be made in-house, and Vasquez and Leone are prioritizing working with local vendors to source everything from coffee and food to the candles and towels used throughout the club. They’re also working with a local sculptor to create a special piece for the space.
Rendering of Mattina Cafe, provided by EMBER’s co-founders.
The co-founders describe the cocktail lounge, Georgie’s, as “an old-school speakeasy serving supper-club inspired bites and classic cocktails.” The name is a nod to George R. Newell & Company, who built what was then their five-story warehouse in 1923. The lounge will be members-only until 3pm, then open to the public at 5pm.
Newspaper coverage from 1923, when George R. Newell & Company built the warehouse that was transformed into The Hall Lofts in 2024.
Phase 2 plans for EMBER call for adding a rooftop lounge offering additional programming and social activities.
Impressions of North Loop
Both Vasquez and Leone have recently moved to North Loop as they prepare to open EMBER. “I love the walkability of everything. I love how safe it feels. I love how alive it feels on a good spring or summer day. And I think there’s just a lot of opportunity for growth too,” observed Leone.
“The beauty of it; I go for a run every morning and walk my dog,” added Vasquez. “And the people, the people I’ve met so far are awesome.”
EMBER’s co-founders Robb Leone, left, and Tony Vasquez.
Membership applications to EMBER are now open here. You can follow Ember on Instagram and Tik Tok.
— By Mary Binkley, NLNA President