Downtown Loomis, a vibrant future taking shape

Imagine a vibrant downtown well anchored by small family-oriented stores and eateries embracing the Loomis Basin's rich agricultural heritage. It's a vision for a better quality of life for ourselves and future generations. The implementation of this vision is well underway in Downtown Loomis. These efforts are driven largely by private enterprise, public-private investments, consumer demand, a strong economy and an unwavering commitment by the town of Loomis to revitalize downtown. These efforts are tapping into consumers' desires for unique destinations instead of corporate chain stores. It's an exciting time for Loomis, a well-timed renaissance period. It's no secret Downtown Loomis has struggled to find its footing as several key properties have sat vacant and frozen in lengthy holding patterns for one reason or another. The culmination of fierce competition from internet sales and big box retailers has brought dire times for small businesses across the country. Towns and cities across the country are struggling to adapt to this new era. Despite many challenges, however, the town of Loomis has stayed its course of paving a brighter future for Downtown Loomis. The vision is to create a vibrant downtown where residents and visitors have safe, walkable and accessible dining and retail destinations. Instead of leaking consumer spending to other cities, these improvements help to keep more spending within Loomis and provide attractive destinations for people to spend their hard-earned money. Furthermore, the future vitality of the town's finances hinge on a growing local economy where tax revenues becomes broader and more reliable. Recent advancements Over the past two years, the sidewalk and landscaping project on Taylor Road from High Hand Nursery to Horseshoe Bar Road has been a significant boost to downtown's aesthetics and accessibility. In 2020, the sidewalk improvement project will extend on Taylor Road from Horseshoe Bar Road to King Road. Upon completion, pedestrians can seamlessly walk from end to end of Downtown Loomis. Recently, the town of Loomis committed over $100,000 to a façade program designed to incentivize property and storefront owners to make aesthetic improvements to their store fronts. Over 15 grants were approved and put to good use. The Gander Tap House and Il Pizzaiolo, both beneficiaries of the façade program, have been positive additions to our downtown. Coming soon Several new businesses and projects are coming soon to downtown. The Loomis Town Council recently approved the sale of a town-owned property, WW Molding. The property, located next to High Hand Nursery, has long been an eyesore and nuisance. However, the new ownership team, a partnership between the owners of High Hand Nursery and Loomis Basin Brewery (LBB), is moving forward with a new and exciting venture, the Loomis Mill. The project includes the relocation of Loomis Basin Brewery's production facility, a restaurant, bakery, outdoor beer garden, whiskey distillery and an outdoor amphitheater. Pine Star Brewery, the property formerly known as Star Liquor, will soon feature a "Louisiana-Farmhouse " style restaurant with a menu inspired by modern Southern flavors, a brewery, café patio and a casual dining experience. The old Mehl's Car dealership on Taylor Road will be a multi-tenant project that will redevelop the former dealership with new storefronts. The property will likely include a restaurant with outdoor seating. The old Horseshoe Bar and Grill restaurant is now home to Red's Bistro. I'm told by the ownership team that the bistro will feature a farm-to-table, locally-sourced rotating seasonal menu authored by classically-schooled and trained Chef Chris Townsend. Red's Bistro is aiming for an early 2020 opening. Next door to Bridge Yoga (3565 Taylor Road), a new boutique coffee shop with outdoor seating is planning to open its doors in early 2020. While there's still a lot of work to do, a lot has been accomplished and should be celebrated. These additions help support a good quality of lifestyle for people who live, work and visit Loomis. As we approach the Thanksgiving season, I thank my fellow council members for their leadership and vision to enable the positive work happening in Loomis. Thank you to the town of Loomis staff for their tremendous service to the town. Thank you to the Loomis community for stepping up time after time and embracing the heritage of Loomis, shopping locally and for all the loyalty and love given to local businesses. Mark your calendars Lastly, please come to the Day Before Thanksgiving Parade on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 9 a.m. in Downtown Loomis and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 7 at the Loomis Train Depot, 4:30 p.m. Both events are great reminders of what makes Loomis special. Happy holidays. Tim Onderko is the Loomis mayor.