Downtown Eudora struggling
With several businesses moving out of downtown, some Eudora residents are concerned. Enlarge video
Eudora — It wasn't supposed to work this way.
The $1.4 million spent on improvements to Eudora’s Main Street was supposed to lead to more foot traffic and a more attractive setting that might attract businesses.
But in the months since the project was completed, Curves, Cutter's Smokehouse and Coffee Talk have left.
Then last week, Madame Hatter's Tea Room owner Bonnie Freeland announced she would move her business to Bonner Springs in July.
Counting an already-empty building, there will be five vacant buildings on the east side of Main Street.
The owners of Black Lodge Recording Studio are also selling their downtown building.
The businesses left for reasons ranging from lack of revenue to better business opportunities elsewhere.
It was the latter for Freeland, who will have more space in downtown Bonner Springs. And so, she can expand the catering and special events side of her business.
“It's really hard to run a busy business in this building, space-wise,” Freeland said. “If you get behind in dishes, there's no place to put them, and when the dining room is full there's no place to walk and move around.”
She said she can seat about 50 people now. Her new location will allow her to seat about 72, plus about 12 more on a patio.
A lack of business also contributed to her decision to move.
Downtown Eudora Business Association President Tina Montgomery said she understood that Freeland was doing what was best for her business and that she hoped to see retail businesses fill up the empty buildings.
“Retail is what's going to bring foot traffic and revenue that the city so desperately needs,” Montgomery said.
She hoped the impending spike in traffic that likely will come with the Kansas Turnpike interchange between Eudora and Tonganoxie would help.
Freeland had been at her location on the corner of Seventh and Main streets for about five years. She began looking for a new location about a year ago and when the word got out, area towns began to recruit her.
“Some of these other towns have economic developers and if they hear you're looking to leave, they come after you,” Freeland said.
The Eudora City Council committed $90,000 in the 2009 budget to economic development efforts. Engineering and planning firm Bucher, Willis and Ratliff will conduct studies and site evaluations.
However, the city does not have a full-time position dedicated to recruitment.
“It's terrible that we haven't done enough with our downtown and gotten further along with our redevelopment that we can't hold on to people,” said Heather Noble, who owns Broers Flower Shop.
Comments
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srj (anonymous) says…
How can you lose a Curves?
thebcman (anonymous) says…
Cutter's Smokehouse left because his landlords screwed him around. It wasn't his decision.
Practicality (anonymous) says…
What about this One_Eyed Wilbur? Are you still singing the praises of Arkdora now? What are they saying at the Gilded Monkey Cage about this?
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
we're too busy at the Monkey Cage getting drunk, just as most of Lawrence is downtown getting drunk, once Eudonkey turns the buildlings downtown in bars, the place will be hopping just like Lawrence, Douglas county is enhanced with alcohol development.
wilbur is more interested in the vendor license in lawrence for wilbur's one eyed hot dogs
maybe udonkey and lawrence can go at a contest to see which town can have the most vacant buildings downtown. per capita .looks like Lawrence had a head start
1029 (anonymous) says…
I'm glad to see Eudorianites ran Curves out of town. A strip club has no place in a wholesome Christian community like Eudora. I know some people in my church were circulating petitions to get that place shut down, and I proudly signed my name several times on each. Good things happen when good Christians come together to stand up for what's right.
was_freashpowder2 (Alexander Neighbors) says…
Curves is not a strip club its a place where large women can go exercise with other large women !...
eotw33 (anonymous) says…
Since when is Curves a strip club? You might want to check what your petitioning before you petition it. No wonder they left, they felt like all the "good christians" (as opposed to bad christians?) hated fat people
was_freashpowder2 (Alexander Neighbors) says…
This is why those businesses left........The Education level of Eudorians is not that high................
was_freashpowder2 (Alexander Neighbors) says…
http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/...
http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/...
thebcman (anonymous) says…
the folks at LJW should read the eudora news more often ..
http://www.eudoranews.com/news/2009/m...
this article shows the real reason Cutter's closed. It wasn't about lack of business. It was the greedy actions of his landlords, Doric Lodge No. 83. Get it right, LJW.
igby (anonymous) says…
This made me laugh so hard that I puked!
('<`)~~~~~~~~~
mike_blur (Mike Blur) says…
"Eudorianites?"
Isn't "Eudorans" simple enough? Or are the "Eudorianites" their own race of people? Judging by 1029's badly misinformed, moronic post, maybe "Eudorianites" does apply.
And hopefully the good Christian "Eudorianites" can stay there.
mike_blur (Mike Blur) says…
The founder of Curves International, Gary Heavin, is, ironically enough, a born-again Christian who contributes heavily to anti-abortion causes.
Eudorianites must be completely whacko to drive one of their own out of town.
bigun539 (anonymous) says…
Eudora hasn't wasted any money on a round about.
hmmmmmmmmmmmm....
merrill (anonymous) says…
Eudora will become/remain bedroom community = dollars will be spent elsewhere. Like Lawrence, Eudora is getting in to big a hurry. There simply are not enough retail dollars to support the over retailed of both areas.
The cost of living will increase steadily at more than the normal rate of 4% which should tell Eudora citizens it's time to rein in growth until Eudora catches up with itself.
Bring in to downtown Lands End,Banana Republican, a movie house,natural food grocery store,hardware store,line the streets with antique stores and bring in some music = success. How can Eudora make themselves attractive.... practical rent not high dollar like Lawrence.
lawrencelifer (anonymous) says…
Hey all,
1029 is yanking your chain. He or she knows that Curves is a women's fitness facility . . . . and he or she is as anti-Christian as some others on here. Nice set-up for another anti-Christian rant . . .
igby (anonymous) says…
('<') lol.
Alabamastreet (anonymous) says…
"eotw33 (Anonymous) says…
Since when is Curves a strip club?"
Uh, how do you think people get into their exercise clothes? Nudity.
awood785 (anonymous) says…
$1.4 million dollars wasted. This is what happens when the government thinks they know what will be best for the private sector. I expect to do-gooder Lawrencians to throw money at something worthless (like roundabouts), but I thought the Eudora people were a little more opposed to government involvement.
BigPrune (anonymous) says…
Unfortunately, downtown Eudora is too small. What Eudora needs is a lifestyle center built on its outskirts. Something that is nicer and offers more than Lawrence's downtown. Something theme based that would draw folks from all over the area or country. Someone should revitalize the Oz Theme Park and move it further west into Douglas County. Then, Lawrence will regret its restrictive anti-business ways.
BigPrune (anonymous) says…
On a more serious note, the businesses that left downtown Eudora were most likely hurt by the construction cutting off the customers to their stores. You always see this especially when KDOT is involved in redoing intersections or widening roads - because their projects take months longer to complete for some reason (gubment workers?). The delays hurt business. Look at how many existing businesses left the 6th & Wakarusa area after enduring the months and months of road construction and eventual closing off of access points. Lots of rent has to be paid even if it is virtually impossible for customers to visit businesses.
The_Original_Bob (anonymous) says…
Some of you all might want to change the batteries in your sarcasmometer and read 1029's post again.
kmat (anonymous) says…
mike_blur (Mike Blur) says…
“Eudorianites?”
Isn't “Eudorans” simple enough? Or are the “Eudorianites” their own race of people? _________________________________
I worked in there years ago and we referred to the residents as Eudorkians.
The people in Eudorkia come to Lawrence to shop because it's a short drive and the downtown has been dead for a long time. Heck, the hardware store couldn't even make it down there. Eudora is nothing more than a little bit cheaper housing option for KC commuters that want that small town feeling.
SusieCreamcheeze (anonymous) says…
FYI - The hardware store was pushed out by the Quilt store people......But everyone in Eudora knows that Eudorans will not support local busness....This includes the "chamber"- that would be Sunflower broadband and the World Comp..one in the same and a few local busnesses.
When you open a busness in Eudora, the locals come by to wish you luck and inform you that you will not last due to lack of support...Sorry to see the Tea Room go.
A lower rent base would help
Logan72 (Alia Ahmed) says…
funny, 1029. I could almost imagine that coming out of the mouth of SNL's church lady!
RoeDapple (anonymous) says…
Hate to say it! oneeye_wilbur wins!
"wilbur is more interested in the vendor license in lawrence for wilbur's one eyed hot dogs"
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
Roe Dapple, consider this: At least in Eudora there isn't a need for a storm water study and bathroom study in the vacant building.
In Eudora, a toilet is a toilet, In Lawrence a toilet is a place of higher learning.
And yes, the Masons had some pretty costly things in the lease for the building in question. As we understand it at the Gilded Monkey Cage Lounge, it is a bunch from DeSoto that own the building in Eudora.
And the nerve of those in Lawrence to complain about out of towners owning property in the so "special Lawrence".
Never mind, when the newly appointed Rural rep from Topeka pedals over on the bicycle built for one, things will change.
Eudora is the next "Mini Branson".
RoeDapple (anonymous) says…
Always look forward to your posts wilbur!........
....also non-resident of Larryville...........
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
and just in case "not_holroyd" is in his/her place of higher learning,, get your facts straight.
The neighborhood groups in Lawrence are the whores for the city of Lawrence.
The mothers in question were dressed as strippers.
And while you are at it, you might want to stay in the place of higher learning and relive yourself of some excess gas instead of fretting over property values.
Everyone should be so lucky to have undervalued, undertaxed property. You jealous?
And if the J/W wants to moderate and edit , so be it. There is very likely that not more than 100 people ever read this site anyway, and of that 100, 99.9 are the imposter posters themselves.
Get ready for the One Eye Wilbur hot dog cookoff in Morton county, fund raiser for the next Governor.
Calliope877 (anonymous) says…
Eudora has a downtown? LOL
RoeDapple (anonymous) says…
the beer must be flowing freely and tasting great at the 'Cage' today. Not used to this many posts from you (wilbur) per day, let alone one article.
Irish (Leslie Swearingen) says…
What is it with you Christian haters? It is like 1st century all over again! Deju vu, big time!
Not man enough to make a comment about a Muslim. No, you know what would happen then?
Maybe we Catholics should storm the gates like the Muslim community does when there faith is insulted.
Eudora could disappear from the face of the earth and no one would notice. I mean why hasn't it been incorporated into Lawrence? Instead of building west, build east for a chance.
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
Calliope, that is what Eudora needs. A real merry go round. Anyway, it seems that Lawrence has been spending and spending for years on it's downtown and now are discovering the results intended are not forthcoming.
Maybe it is time for the business owners to take charge and leave the government officials out of "Planning and Development"
Eudora, the next "mini Branson"
Calliope877, downtown or uptown. It is all dependent on where you are. From the Gilded Monkey Cage, it is downtown.
Go to the cage and ask for a free beer and mention One Eyed Wilbur
Bandwife75 (anonymous) says…
Yes call me a transplanted Eudorian but personally I love living here. I agree the it is a small bedroom community but sometimes that nice that you have no one all in your business or your yuppie neighbor is to scared to come out and introduce themselves to you. How many have you have ever walked downtown and talked with the business owners? Maybe you should try it. Some of those business owners are very nice down to earth people. Maybe should have a talk with Mayor Scott on a Sunday morning when he is getting ready to do a benefit run for the Make-a-Wish foundation for children and hear what he has planned for the community. There are all kinds of things that go on in this town from CPA Festival in July, Eudorafest in October, A 5k run sponsored by LMH in October, Haunted House in CPA park on Halloween but what I have noticed is if it's not related around KU or has a KU sponsor or KU player appearances no one wants to come out. I will continue to support my downtown business from Kaw Valley Bank to DC Cycles.
Calliope877 (anonymous) says…
Wilbur,
A calliope isn't a merry go round, it's a musical instrument (although I guess sometimes they can be found in the middle of a merry go round, but I haven't seen one of those in years), and it's also the name of one of the greek muses (the muse for epic poetry and song)...but that's besides the point.
I don't drink much anymore, but thanks anyway. And even if I did feel like havin' a cold one, I'd go to our downtown to have one, not Eudora. No offense, of course.
KansasPerson (anonymous) says…
The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…
"Some of you all might want to change the batteries in your sarcasmometer and read 1029's post again."
Yes. Their first clue might be "proudly signed my name several times on each." Careful reading can bring more humor into your life, folks!
And don't blame Eudora for the Curves closing. They are closing all over the place and (last I read) the company was in serious financial trouble.
introversion (anonymous) says…
And here I was, pissed that a strip club apparently came and went in Eudora and I didn't hear about it until it was too late...
mdrndgtl (anonymous) says…
Where is Eudora?
mdrndgtl (anonymous) says…
Nice troll 1029...
kawvalleybulldog (anonymous) says…
Anthony's Diner is a nice new place in downtown Eudora, and they have $5.50 dinner specials that will blow your mind! check it out!!!
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
yes, the folks in Eudora are proud of the city, the ones thataren't are those in Lawrence who are so uppidty that they don't know downtown from uptown, as for Eudora , it must ahve something going for it, 'cause even some of the J/W staff live there..guess Lawrence isn't so "special".huh?
Logan72 (Alia Ahmed) says…
Wilbur,
I grew up in a small town and think there are many benefits to raising children in a small town. I now live in Lawrence and have lived in Chicago and have found value in living in these cities. I don't think everyone in Lawrence looks down on on Eudora. There's a saying, "Wherever you go, there you are" and I think most people are only go to be as happy as they allow themselves to be, no matter where they live.
akt2 (anonymous) says…
New schools. No fees to send your kids to school. No fees for your child to ride the bus. They actually shuttle the kids around to the schools. Whatever school your child lives closest to is where they catch the shuttle, or get dropped off in the afternoon. Excellent teachers and staff. Huge reasons to live in Eudora.
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
Logan72, thanks for your comment, but you seem to miss something. Sadly, the folks in Eudora do not look up to Lawrence. That is the problem, Lawrence is uppidity, and if Eudora starts to behave as Lawrence has been for 30years, many in Eudora will choose to move on , just as some did when they left Lawrence for Eudora. After all, some at the J/W staff chose Eudora over Lawrence and other small towns around as well?
akt2, you are correct about the schools in Eudora, but watch the school board closely as they try to emulate their neighbor to the west. Uppidity can often be contagious.
Logan72 (Alia Ahmed) says…
Wilbur, I never implied the people of Eudora looked up to Lawrence. You're right, I'm missing something. I just don't understand what's to be gained by holding animosity toward another city, bigger or smaller. My point is be happy wherever you live and don't worry about what other people think of your community as long as you are happy with it. But, most of all be yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmWsYX...
bonnett1961 (anonymous) says…
I think all the business that have left Eudora were for different reasons. Sure there could be more foot traffic and support from the locals. Some great places are leaving. Hope the new locations these places end up in realize what geat businesses they are getting. I hope the best for Eudora and the remaining business. Maybe you all should go over and patronize them???
bonnett1961 (anonymous) says…
Oh and by the way. Good article done by David Oaks,
teripettengill (anonymous) says…
I still think it is funny that they think the new turnpike interchange is going to be the answer to all their prayers. The only people who are going to use that exchange is the Eudora people from the south and Tongie people from the north. Why would anyone else use it? Maybe to deliver goods to the downtown Eudora businesses? Oh wait, there aren't any, thats right.
kansasmutt (anonymous) says…
Sounds as if some have not been to Eudora for some time. They have quite a few businesses and yes a few spaces for new ones as well. Great Food joints and Custom Bike shop. Flower shop and beer store.They even have a Hardware store.The new exit off of I70 will be sending about 5,000 new cars down to Eudora every day.People who used to go to K-7 now can opt off early and head down to olathe, Gardener and other spots to the south.This would be a great time for a business to set up shop in a less costly storefront in Downtown Eudora. A new Coffee Shop , new specialty shop , lots of great ideas can be filled.Eudora is a great litl town and has lots to offer.Just another note. Cutters Smokehouse got hosed and will come back soon.
Dejacrew423 (anonymous) says…
******Does anyone know what's going on between Mclouth and Tonganoxie? There have been 7 fire trucks that have drove by my house plus 2 ambulances. Just curioius!*****
Dejacrew423 (anonymous) says…
Figured it out, bad house fire just outside of Mclouth. My thoughts are with the family and I pray there are no injuries.