In recent weeks, some landmark businesses on Tallahassee's North Monroe Street have disappeared. But that's expected to be a temporary situation.
The Florida Department of Transportation pegs North Monroe Street's daily traffic volume well above 20,000 vehicles a day. That makes it a primary gateway to the Capital City, although Leon County Commissioner Rick Minor says that gateway has been less than a charming entrance. Now, Minor, whose District 3 includes all of North Monroe Street, believes things are improving. Particularly since the City of Tallahassee is building a new police station and community center on the old Northwood Mall property.
"So far, we have about $31 million of public investment dedicated to North Monroe. And I believe that's at least partly responsible for the surge of new development we've had along the corridor."
One of these new developments, he says, will replace the now-demolished Barnacle Bill's restaurant, that was gutted by fire more than 9 years ago and has been vacant ever since.
"We all miss Barnacle Bill's. It was there for 30+ years. Dutch Brothers Coffee from Destin has submitted a permit for that property. So I'm sad to see Barnacle Bill's go, but that building was an eyesore ever since the fire and so I'm glad to have it demolished and glad to have some new investment coming in with new construction."
Minor says, as some businesses close, others are expanding-- offsetting the loss.
"We all know we've had closure of Hooters and the Walgreens at John Knox. But those were caused primarily by nationwide financial struggle of those companies. The vast majority of business activity on North Monroe shows growth in investment. Last year, Walmart on North Monroe invested about $6 million at that location. And Ace Hardware on North Monroe moved to another larger location north on the corridor."
Minor says he believes positive news along the corridor has mostly been outweighing the negative.
"We also have City Church near North Monroe in the midst of a $12 million expansion and in recent years we've had the Days Inn and Melting Pot significantly upgrade their properties. So all this private investment is a sign to other businesses that North Monroe is a place to invest in."
All in all, Minor says, it seems Tallahassee's northwest gateway has a brighter future now than it did just a few short years ago.
