Goodbye Spanish Springs
 

Three restaurants on the Spanish Springs square have gone out of business. Plans are to transform these facilities and other future closures into apartments. In the near future I totally expect the entire Spanish Springs to be nothing more than apartments and shops. Also I find it strange that the district approved the Developer getting amenities for these apartments.

Not.

I find your post interesting, and I can see it happening that way to a point. Is it possible that as the transformation towards apartments happens that a market will appear for more shops and restaurants?
I have no idea how many units of apartments might be created, but at some point those folks would love to have a nice square, with some food and music right in the neighborhood. Such a demand could turn into a pleasant equilibrium between local foot traffic and services. This could be a better working model going forward than what has been going on there lately. I'm not trying to be contentious, just suggesting that this could work out well for everyone.

Demshar's did not go out of business, they closed temporarily. TooJays filed for bankruptcy months ago and I suspect this is part of expense reduction since the other two are still open. Katie Belle's is the only one that actually closed with no plans to reopen .

I believe that once this pandemic is behind us everything will come back stronger than ever. Might take another year and some places will disappear but others will take their place. In the end, a "shakeout" may be a good thing.

"Also I find it strange that the district approved the Developer getting amenities for these apartments."

Always follow the money, it's no surprise at all. Time are a-changin'

think your right

Demshar's closed permanently. They have signs outside their restaurant stating so, posted by them.

As The Villages empties out the office space they use in SS, they will transform, that space to apartments. Most of the second floor occupancy is now used by The Villages and they are consolidating operations down in the new headquarters they built in Brownwood. I would guess the first floor space will remain as commercial property

If they continue to have it part of the 55+ community, and not open it to under 55+, and manage it as the landlord as such with no sublets allowed - then it could be a very good thing.

Imagine some of the homeowners who want to downsize, who are still 100% independent, but want less responsibility that goes into homeownership. Living in the apartments. They no longer need to drive to the squares since they already live there. Since it's only 2 blocks away from the supermarket, they could probably get rid of their cars entirely, rely only on golf carts to get to doctors' offices or whatever else.

If they just need a quart of milk - it's no big deal for them to just walk the two blocks. Or they could even just go downstairs and order a cup of coffee from Dunkin Donuts, no need to buy a quart til shopping day.

But - I lived for 7 years in Boston, so I understand the joys of "city life" as an actual resident, not just a visitor.

If I was single I'd probably jump at the chance to live "downtown" in the Villages square in a little 1-bedroom apartment.

I agree with you. I've heard (I know that's dangerous) that the Brownwood apartments cannot be sublet. So... maybe that's a precedent.

Small neighborhoods that have all the necessary amenities and entertainment, within walking distance, have become popular in many cities. I'm sure the developers are aware of this and it wouldn't surprise me to learn, that this is a first test to see if that type of development would work and make money for TV.

Agreed. The apartment dwellers will want to dine out. Restaurants will open to meet demand.

I can see nothing wrong in using vacant space as appartments around SS. Square.
Unlike the HH proposed development, no one is going to lose a view, and apart from the fact people will know there are apartments around the square, little or no intrusion or change to the area should be noticed
Could be a good move to revitalise the whole place.

I talked the owner on Friday. A decision to permanently close has not been made. No where on the sign does is state this.

Rollie