JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – New life is on it's way to the historic district of Springfield after announcements of several new retail shops coming to the area.
At least four businesses plan on opening up within the next six months, including several on Main Street.
People in Springfield are thrilled about these announcements. They said there has been a lot of residential growth in Springfield in the past several years, but not as much commercial growth.
These new businesses will definitely give the Jacksonville economy a boost, not to mention the people who visit the area are pretty excited about the new shops and restaurants.
"Springfield is really a part of the downtown area. It is part of the urban core, so when one of our urban core neighborhoods does well, that's a positive for all," said President of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization, Bill Hoff.
Hoff said whenever businesses develop in the small neighborhoods around Jacksonville, it helps the city as a whole. As president of the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Group, he said residential growth has grown at a faster pace compared to commercial growth, so this is just what the historic district needs.
"Not only because it gives life to Main Street here, but new businesses extract others when you see one business open that can attract others to come as well and that's what we're hoping for," said Hoff.
Some of the vacant buildings on Main Street that may look a little lifeless now, are expected to soon be transformed into brand new businesses, bringing new life to Springfield.
Some of the planned businesses include:
- A tea and hookah lounge on Main Street.
- A new cafe a a few blocks down that will have live music beer and wine.
- A yoga studio and juice bar.
- An art gallery and studio.
"Anytime residents here hear about new businesses moving in, they get very excited," said Hoff.
Some of the businesses are set to open as early as September, others could be closer to the beginning of 2015.
Another reason this is good for Springfield is because it will bring more people there because of it's central location to Downtown and the airport.