A new Latina-owned Pilates and movement studio is set to open in East Austin this fall. According to public filings, Casa Ellevate plans to open at 2121 E. 6th St., Suite 103. What Now Austin spoke with co-founders Elene and David Abendschein, who confirmed that the opening is targeted for early October 2026, pending permits, and shared their vision for the concept.
Casa Ellevate is an intentional fitness space guided by seven values: come as you are, community first, move with intention, lead with warmth, strength without pressure, better together, and joy in movement.
The studio’s class offerings include multiple modalities, including reformer Pilates, mat Pilates, and strength, designed to welcome all fitness levels.
The space was born from Elene’s personal journey back to movement after leaving the executive world to raise her family.
“I’ve been in the fitness industry in Austin for about four years, building relationships and working for some amazing founders. But I still felt like there was something missing in the market: to bring together multiple modalities that serve everyone,” she told What Now Austin.
Elene has trained extensively in Lagree, mat Pilates, and reformer Pilates. She also began hosting pop-up wellness events across Austin under the Alma Wellness brand, building a community and testing the concept before committing to a permanent home.
The East Side was a strategic choice for the location, with its rapid growth, walkability, and demographics among the factors that stood out.
David also noted that the area’s fitness market is less saturated, leaving plenty of room for growth. Elene added that, as a Latina, the location felt deeply personal. “The East Side is underserved from a health and wellness perspective, the community there is just a really perfect fit for what we represent,” they told What Now Austin.
The team is currently hosting pop-up classes on the East Side ahead of the opening and is actively building a founding-members waitlist, with limited spots remaining and discounted membership perks available, according to the founders.
“Our goal is to spread the word that movement is for anyone and everyone, at any age. The goal of Pilates is to help you understand your body better and support you in your longevity,” the Abendscheins told What Now Austin.
