New business downtown??

zenmandan · Post by **zenmandan** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 1:47 pm

So now that the new stadium deal has been OK'd, what would be a good idea for a downtown business to go in the new retail area? My parents are nearing retirement and are looking to invest in something. This could be a good opportunity for them, but it needs to be the RIGHT opportunity.

What could be a good business to open near the new stadium? Something that would be open during all events there. Something unique? Chain? Food? Beverage? Clothing? Segway rental? Throw me some ideas. I'm curious what people think would work in those new shops that are planned. Thanks for your help.

Dan

Garr · Post by **Garr** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 1:52 pm

pay toilets. . .

deek · Post by **deek** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 1:59 pm

Coffee bar...
Internet cafe...
Trolley service...

Some ideas, maybe not all that good, but something...

Krieves · Post by **Krieves** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 2:04 pm

Parking lot.
Shuttle service to downtown.

zenmandan · Post by **zenmandan** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 2:38 pm

That's two votes for a shuttle service/trolley. Do you think the parking will be limited enough downtown to warrant a shuttle service? I like the idea, but wonder if the start-up cost would be worth it.

I just looked at the overlay of the Harrison Square project...there is actually a decent amount of parking lots near the new field site. Not sure if shuttles would be lucrative enough.

deek · Post by **deek** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 2:58 pm

I guess the reason I was thinking shuttle service was the layout of the "entertainment", not just downtown. I could see people coming into town and parking downtown, but maybe wanting to go to Jefferson Pointe, Glenbrook, maybe the Coliseum...

I'm thinking that there are a handful of destination that having a good service moving between, could be pretty lucrative.

WBOB · Post by **WBOB** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 3:01 pm

Last I heard, was that there were to be permanent living
areas ie: condos, etc.

Where's the nearest day to day ammenities to support those
who would live in the downtown area?
such as common groceries, pharmacies, pkg liquor, etc.
Will you still have to travel out of the area to find these?

A Walmart/Meijer/other could cover all or most of this,
but I don't picture them ever going in there.

Another would be a restaurant to replace Bill's Palace.

zenmandan · Post by **zenmandan** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 3:12 pm

My dad has often thought of opening a bar/restaurant...may be a good idea to look into as well.

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:03 pm

Upscale Sports Bar.

Garr · Post by **Garr** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:22 pm

bassjones wrote:Upscale Sports Bar.

oxymoron

deek · Post by **deek** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:42 pm

I was somewhat preplexed with that as well...

I mean, who is the clientele? What kind of sports? Polo? Golf?

If I'm in the mood to watch sports, I don't think I would go to an "upscale" location. I want cheap, greasy food, beer and big TVs...nothing upscale needed in a sports bar.

martymieux8266 · Post by **martymieux8266** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:46 pm

i don't think you could necessarily set up a retail store downtown, as it'd have nothing close enough to it to draw you to it unless they had some realllllly good deals.

that's what's bad about our downtown--it's all businesses, and by that i mean just office space.

the downtown here in bloomington is nice (it actually brings people downtown), it's all shops, a library, more shops, and very few offices.

Post by **cwallace** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:53 pm

How about a tumbleweed repair shop? Will be PLENTY of them rolling around the empty streets...

Chris

Krieves · Post by **Krieves** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 5:05 pm

cwallace wrote:How about a tumbleweed repair shop? Will be PLENTY of them rolling around the empty streets...

Chris

LOL. Dude, you don't repair tumble weeds, you just get a new one when the old ones break.

Post by **cwallace** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 5:09 pm

Then a tumbleweed dealership...

Chris