[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Someone asked what we think should happen, to "revitalize" Spanish Springs Town Square.

As the newish resident living in the oldest section of the Villages, who's lived in metropolitan areas, the suburbs of New England, and been to every contiguous state in the country, in urban, rural, suburban, and mountainous regions, who has worked for a town engineer and worked on zoning restrictions and issued zoning permits, this is what I think should be done:

(The same as what I proposed previously but here it is again):

The MVP gym moved to the Rialto theatre, with shops in the front of it dedicated to fresh, healthy food options - salads, simple sandwiches made with home-made breads and organic ingredients, plenty of raw foods that don't require cooking, a few comfort dessert options (such as fresh apple pie, or assorted tortes or strawberry topped shortbread, for example). Another shop within the Rialto-converted-MVP building could cater to exercise clothing and accessories - leggings, gym tops and shorts, yoga mats and yoga shoes, fitbits, etc.

Then take the MVP building and turn it into either condos or apartments, or a mixture of both, with amenities taking up the entire first floor. A small pool can be built where the circular drive currently is, out back, and the pool and first-floor amenities can then be considered a Town Square Rec Center. The parking area behind that building could be gated, so that residents have assigned parking off the street and away from easy access to theft.

Once that building has been renovated and vacancies filled, THEN add that 7 apartments over the old Katie Belle's building. And behind that building, section off an area for assigned resident parking, and build a modest-sized carport for resident golf carts. They can have access to the amenities in the MVP building as well.

WOW. How much is all of this going to cost you? I assume this is your idea to spend your own dough (for the special bread) to put this plan in motion? At a minimum, you should contact The Villages management and demand a consulting fee. Go Get 'em.