Juice Bar, Vegan Restaurant, Home Store: What Does South Orange Really Need?

Ever since the Blockbuster at 55 South Orange Avenue shut its doors in early 2012, South Orange residents have been discussing what should move into the 6,200-square-foot prime location in the middle of town.

Now, after being vacant for nearly a year and a half, the space might be moving a step closer to attracting new businesses.

The building’s owner recently hired an architect to draw up plans to subdivide the space, making room for up to four separate tenants, said Lisa Hackett, executive director of the South Orange Village Center Alliance (SOVCA). The property also has a new realtor, Conor O'Hara of Jeffrey Realty Group. A local who knows South Orange well, O'Hara is also marketing the former Cryan's on 1st Street, said Hackett.   

“We've had multiple businesses come look at the space now that subdividing is an option,” said Hackett. “A lot of folks want to be right on South Orange Avenue,” she said, adding that roughly 23,000 cars pass through the avenue daily. 

“It's a great space for the right business,” Hackett said. 

Meanwhile, SOVCA recently mailed out questionnaires to more than 500 new South Orange residents asking them what shops and restaurants they would like to see in the village. Hackett said the town will use the information they received to recruit new businesses. 

The top responses included a “great brunch place,” a juice bar, South American/Latin, Thai or vegan restaurant, a tapas/wine bar, a great coffee place, home décor store or a sporting goods store, Hackett said.

So, Patch readers, it's your turn. What do you think should move into 55 South Orange Avenue? Give us your answers in Comments below.