Food truck rallies and new businesses in Historic Downtown have brought an increase in foot traffic to the area — something City officials hope will continue as nearby areas grow in 2017 and beyond.
From the return of food truck rallies to new restaurants and businesses, Historic Downtown Plant City saw a surge of growth in 2016.
For City Manager Mike Herr, the continued success of downtown in 2017 will be rooted in the leadership of Plant City Main Street, as well as the organization’s efforts to launch events that will continue to bring families into the heart of town in the new year.
“I think that’s what’s going to be important for downtown,” Herr said. “It’s going to be important for the leaders of Plant City Main Street to develop a strong board of downtown leaders to be successful to work with the City, the chamber and existing businesses.”
Since Plant City Main Street appointed its board of directors in January 2016, the organization has focused on attracting residents and visitors of Plant City into downtown. In September 2016, the organization partnered with the Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally to bring food trucks back to Plant City on a monthly basis. The organization has plans for continued food truck rallies in the new year, as well as a night of Motown and a Hispanic Heritage Festival.
“It’s a good event,” Herr said. “We’re pleased with the number of people browsing downtown. The events coordinated by Plant City Main Street are off to a good start, and we give kudos to them for making this effort.”
While visitors and residents are making trips to downtown a regular activity, some business owners have decided to make Historic Downtown a permanent home.
And, in the future, the Plant City Economic Development Corp. hopes that more businesses will choose to do the same.
Late last year, the organization released ‘Plant City Reimagined: The Gateway Enterprise,’ a short flip book that shows the potential for existing structures throughout Plant City.
Vacant lots and retail spaces are highlighted to show existing uses and future potential. Dotted along Baker and East Reynolds Streets, the Plant City EDC’s vision includes seeing an Urgent Care Center in Historic Downtown, and buildings zoned for light manufacturing transformed into restaurants and office spaces.
Also featured in the book is the shuttered United States Post Office at 301 W. Reynolds St., directly behind City Hall. At 18,920 square feet, the Plant City EDC marketed the building as an iconic landmark that would be an ideal location for a restaurant or retail concept.
“I would love to see the post office site turned into a restaurant or pub,” Herr said. “I think we have a strong appeal to the entrepreneurial spirit. We’re hoping to find an attractive developer.”
It’s a long-term plan, but the last year already saw a business growth spurt in the heart of town.
Open for Business
After Cuzzins Bar closed in Historic Downtown in November 2015, ACE Realty Advisors LLC purchased the building less than one year later for $185,000. With an additional $100,000 in renovation, the business plans to make the downtown storefront its home base.
“I am so enthused about their excitement about being in Plant City,” Herr said. “They chose to come here because they see opportunity. When vibrant real estate people see opportunity … that’s a good thing.”
Herr attributes much of downtown’s appeal to the atmosphere of McCall Park and the unique attractions the area has to offer, including the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum.
Perhaps most appealing to business owners, though, is the City’s willingness to help entrepreneurs succeed in Plant City — a necessity in helping the long-term goals come to fruition.
“The City is open for business,” Herr said. “We want to help you. We are demonstrating that Plant City is the place to be. We see the fruits of being open for business. We want to serve and push private sector projects to the pipeline.”
Other local business owners have taken note. Both Dark Horse Music Store and Bella Mare Ristorante chose to move into spots in downtown in 2016. Bella Mare opened in November, and Dark Horse is set to open early in the new year.
As 2017 kicks off, the City of Plant City hopes to see business owners continue to move into downtown as both midtown and the I-4 corridor see further growth — including breathing new life into existing structures.
Herr is looking forward to a fruitful year for the City in 2017.
“For 2017, my view of Plant City is that we’ll be bold,” he said. “Bold, ambitious and hopeful.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
