Condo project drawing interest in downtown Stouffville

Stouffville Sun-Tribune
January 24, 2014
By Sandra Bolan

Once Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville council gave the go-ahead to the PACE/Geranium residential/retail/commercial development at Main and Lloyd streets late last year, there has been an “increased interest” by other developers and investors wanting to be a part of Main Street’s revitalization, according to Anna Rose, the municipality’s downtown co-ordinator.

There’s even more good news for the downtown. Some of its vacant storefronts have found occupants.

A mixed martial arts school has taken over the former Stouffville Family Billiards location at Main and Church streets. It’s opening date is unknown.

The pool hall owners only had a one year lease, according to Ms Rose.

“Unfortunately, they weren’t able to attract the demographic they were hoping to,” she said.

Prior to that space being a pool hall, it was a different martial arts school.

When Barthau Jewellers moved to the west end in early 2011, its downtown storefront sat vacant for about a year.

Hidden Treasures moved in in the fall of 2012, but closed its doors within a year.

“Antiques have never really been the type of store the community is looking for. It’s a unique market,” according to Ms Rose.

It didn’t help that Reid’s Antiques and Consignments, a Main Street staple for a number of years, was just a few doors down the block.

A new tenant, whom Ms Rose said will fit in nicely with its surrounding businesses, has taken over the space.

The Lighthouse is owned by a pair of brothers who plan to sell light fixtures and household knickknacks. They will also provide installation and repair services, she said.

Mayer’s Pet Shop closed up in the fall of 2012 but it’s space will be divided in two and soon be filled with a tech retailer and pet groomer, according to Ms Rose.

The former Valento’s Fine Foods’ space remains empty because the building’s owner can’t find the right tenant, according to Ms Rose, noting he is looking for a business that will complement the popular Meat Merchant - such as a baker, organic fruit/vegetable market or light lunch provider.

After a long court battle with the proprietor of Repeat Rider, that building’s owner is now in a position to rent it to another business, according to Ms Rose.

Repeat Rider closed its doors in the spring of 2012.

Ms Rose said she expects the location to be occupied by the end of the year.