EDITORIAL (excerpt)
Downtown Has a Lot to Offer Everyone
Of all the cities on the Ridge, Lake Wales has the most potential. Our city’s assets include its ideal location at two major crossroads, rolling hills, a unique downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a beautiful lake and accompanying park, local college, modern hospital, museum, arts center, library, a National Landmark - Historic Bok Sanctuary, and the infamous Spook Hill.
It is these very assets that Lake Wales should aggressively market to potential investors, business, and merchants seeking a new and positive change.
So much of downtown’s future lies in our attitude and how we participate in our city and its potential. Lake Wales Main Street has made efforts to bring motorcycle enthusiasts to the "Bike Fest," both with limited and mixed participation.
To infuse new life into downtown’s events and commercial mix is the recently hired Main Street Manager Jan Privett.
With an extensive background in promotions, Privett brings to downtown the opportunity for new and exciting special events that we all need to support, not only in words, but also in action. In addition to promotions, job responsibilities include recruiting new businesses that will add to the flavor of our budding nucleus of new and progressive specialty shops, such as Brenda’s Gifts, Great Things, and Julia’s.
A major enrichment in attracting new businesses and consumers to downtown Lake Wales is the beautifully renovated Rhodesbilt Arcade. Occupying the first floor are the Artisan Guild of Lake Wales, James R. Hahn Productions Art Gallery and Flag World – featuring flags of the world and owned and operated by Arcade owner Richard & Tommie Quaid. This definite cluster of existing art related business could be the impetus for a downtown arts and cultural niche.
Another poplar reason to visit any downtown is a wide variety of restaurants. The newest stand of restaurants that have recently relocated or expanded in our downtown include the Arcade Coffee Shop, Ron’s Sub House, Rustik Grille and Tres Jolie.
It is a start, but an area that definitely needs attention. Perhaps, when the Grand Hotel is purchased and renovated it will be the home of a trendy bistro, or a wine bar, or a top end class restaurant.
Speculating on what might draw consumers is not without opinions, hopes and dreams but consider the success of Mt. Dora.
Similar in size and demographics to Lake Wales, Mt. Dora was remote and started off with a limp and a prayer. Twenty five years ago its attraction was a few antique stores augmented by a nearby annual antique extravaganza. Mr. Dora has since become a valued destination, filled with a large variety of successful stores.
We cannot lose sight that Lake Wales remains a plum for investors and on that undeniable fact we must consistently remind everyone of that potential and our future.
Its historic character and charm is the foundation for our downtown to become the shopping mecca of East Polk County.
Unquestionably, progress depends in part upon great retail stores and restaurants but that’s only half the equation; the real need is for our residents to patronize downtown.
The Historic downtown shops offer unique & hand-crafted merchandise, which big box stores cannot provide or compete with. Combined with local convenience, gasoline savings, customer service and personal touches, our downtown district is the right choice for shopping.
Most importantly, those who shop downtown are supporting the local businesses, the Mains Street Program, the city, the economy and your neighbor.
