Visions For Vacancy: What Should Take Blockbuster Video's Place?
What should move into 55 S. Orange Ave?
Let's call this a modern spin on community planning — Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table.
In an occasional column, we'll present a new vacant building and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules, and all the other zoning jargon that puts people most to sleep. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community?
We launch this new feature by focusing on the soon to be vacant space on 55 S. Orange Ave. Blockbuster Video currently is in that spot, but it was announced this month the store would be closing soon.
So we want to know, what would fit best in that spot? Should we add another restaurant? Perhaps the area is big enough to split into several stores. With village hall being vacated soon for renovation, maybe the town should rent this space for municipal services.
Let us know in the comments section below! Know of a vacant space/building we should highlight? Email scottegelberg@gmail.com.
Khalil Gibran Muhammad
9:10 am on Saturday, January 28, 2012
Thai restaurant
Stephanie Kennedy
9:29 am on Saturday, January 28, 2012
A department store on the order of Bellen's (I think that was the name of it), that was located there when I moved to South Orange in 1971,
Daria Knarvik
11:56 am on Saturday, January 28, 2012
Small department store, shoe store, women's boutique, artsy gift shop............maybe a co-op with any of the above sharing space since it it a rather large space. If only the town would hire a business recruiter....................a professional who would help find a business that would be a good fit for our town.
Ann Gregory
1:49 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2012
Only a few shorts years ago, I remember looking forward to going to Blockbuster to get a new release and just browse. Not anymore. Now the internet is changing tv viewing habits. I have recently begun getting almost all my TV online through a service called TVDevo.com It's easy and there is tons more available to watch compared to the cable package I used to have.
Stephanie Kennedy
2:09 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2012
I do not think we need any more restaurants in South Orange. As both Daria and I suggested, we need a small department store to satisfy the needs of the South Orange population, making it easier than driving to the mall. As it now stands, we must pay to park our cars if only to buy something in the drugstore or go to the shoe repair shop. How is that supposed to attract shoppers?
Xavier De Cárdenas
8:28 pm on Sunday, January 29, 2012
How about a gym / spin studio or indoor kids playground. Or a little of both with a gym with a kids ball room.