Massage Envy Spa opens on Plymouth Road in Ann Arbor

A national massage and spa chain opened its doors Thursday in the Traver Village Shopping Center on Ann Arbor’s Plymouth Road.

Franchisees Jonathan and Michael Schwartz opened Massage Envy Spa at 2611 Plymouth Road, in the space vacated by Tree Town Toys and Rider’s Hobby. First Martin Corporation owns Traver Village.

Based in Arizona, the massage chain operates about 880 locations in 47 states. There are four other locations in the Metro Detroit area.

The Schwartz brothers — who grew up in Birmingham, Mich. and both attended the University of Michigan — called Massage Envy a “perfect fit” for the Ann Arbor area. Jonathan owns two Massage Envy locations in Florida.

“Ever since I opened (in Florida) I thought Ann Arbor was a perfect fit and it just took us five years to make it happen,” Jonathan said.

Michael added: “Geographically, we love the convenience (of Traver Village). You can have a massage and go get a cup of tea or coffee at Espresso Royale. You can get a message and go do your grocery shopping (at Kroger).

The 4,600-square-foot space in Traver Village is separated into 14 rooms and a front desk and retail area. The studio offers customized massages and facials using Murad skincare products, along with enhanced therapies like a sugar foot scrub, aromatherapy and deep muscle therapy.

An introductory one-hour massage costs $49, and an introductory facial is $59. Massage Envy’s wellness program costs $59 per month and includes one service, with a $10 charge for a facial. A one-hour massage for a non-member is $78. (See more on pricing)

“We’re taking massage out of this pre-conceived notion that it’s only for special occasions or the well-off who can afford it, and bringing it to everybody and making people realize it can be part of your monthly wellness regime,” Jonathan said.

Massage Envy Traver Village hired about 15 employees, and is still accepting applications. (Apply online) Massage Envy offers an online training portal and continuing education options for its employees.

Jonathan and Michael said they would like to open a second location in another Ann Arbor neighborhood.

Massage Envy’s hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.