Local
Lakewood massage studio shuttered after hit-and-run driver slams into building
A hit-and-run driver in a black Jeep ran a stop sign and crashed into Renew Massage Studio in Lakewood early Saturday, forcing the newly expanded business to close indefinitely. The owner is now grappling with structural damage, lost income, and an uncertain reopening timeline as Colorado State Patrol searches for the driver.
LAKEWOOD â A Lakewood massage studio is closed indefinitely and its owner is weighing an uncertain future after a hit-and-run driver crashed into the building over the weekend, causing structural damage just months after the business expanded into the space.
The crash occurred shortly after midnight Saturday near West 26th Avenue and North Paramount Parkway, according to the Colorado State Patrol, which is investigating. Ring camera footage captured a black Jeep running a stop sign and slamming into the building that houses Renew Massage Studio. The driver then backed out and sped away. No injuries were reported.
Alicia Marsicovetere, who opened the studio at the location in August, said the crash has been devastating.
"It's heartbreaking, you know," Marsicovetere said. "We put a lot of work into this and into this move and moving into this location, and it's actually an expansion."
The city of Lakewood posted a notice questioning the building's safety and restricting entry to people retrieving personal belongings at their own risk. Marsicovetere said a crack extends up one wall, raising concerns about structural integrity.
"There will have to be a lot of rebuilding to make sure it's structurally sound," she said.
Contractors visited the property Tuesday afternoon to assess the damage and determine what repairs are needed. The business cannot reopen until the repairs are completed and the city approves the building for occupancy. It remains unclear when that will happen.
In the meantime, employees are left with little to no work. Some staff members have been reassigned to the company's other location, but available shifts are limited. Marsicovetere said she is exploring insurance coverage for lost income to help support her employees during the closure.
"We are doing everything we can to use my insurance, loss of income, to see what I can do to help the staff out while they don't have jobs right now," she said.
Despite the setback, Marsicovetere hopes the community will help keep the business afloat by purchasing gift cards and massage packages. She said the studio plans to offer Black Friday specials.
"So maybe just supporting and buying some gift cards and massage packages, so that when we open, we can see you in the office," she said.
Colorado State Patrol is asking anyone with information about the crash to contact its dispatch at 303-239-4501 and reference case number 1A263410. Callers should be prepared to leave their name and contact information for a return call.