Troy Moon did a solid cover story on the renovation on the Saenger Theatre and the impact on downtown businesses while it’s closed for 13 months. (The show will go on-This link will only be good for a few days).
Do DIB, the City of Pensacola and the downtown retail and restaurants have any plans to attract customers for the 13 month period?
In 90s when Palafox St. was shutdown while the street was straightened and new sidewalks put in, several businesses went under or moved to greener pastures.
Remember Page & Palette, Liza’s, Victorian Tea, Ginger Bender, Frank Bennett’s, Le Bistro, Fatthai’s Art Gallery, Lou’s Downtown, Elise’s, Art Bar, Palafox Trolley Rest. & Bar, Ordon’s, Civil War Museum and many more? All have moved from south Palafox over the last 8 years.
Right now there are several spaces for rent. Chef Lee at Eat is quoted in the story as saying he may have to lay off 25 employees.
There should be more events like Gallery Night, outdoor music in Ferdinand Plaza…maybe even close off Palafox St. on Fridays and open it to pedestrians and street vendors. Restaurants could offer specials and more nights like our IN Martini Night at Global.
This is the time to pro-active and creative. Otherwise, we may see a further exodus from downtown as we await the Community Maritime Park and the new & improved Saenger Theatre.