A once proud symbol of the revitalization of the downtown, the former 100 Georges restaurant and blues bar was sold to Lorne Investments last week.
While no one is sure what will be done with the building, the
reaction by downtown merchants is mainly positive.
“You can’t begin to appreciate how concerned
we all have been for the last year when a major building like this,
in a high visibility location, has been vacant,” said
Tony Anselmo, owner of Records On Wheels and chair of Downtown
Sudbury, the city’s downtown renewal group.
“We don’t know yet what plans there are for
the property but what the owner does with it will have a major
impact on the downtown.”
John Rutherford, owner of Black Cat One and Too on Durham St. is
also concerned about what impact the sale will have on downtown
business and culture.
“100 Georges was one of the best things that happened
in the downtown and for this whole community in the last 25
years,” said Rutherford.
“I would hope that whatever use is made for the
property that it appeals to the aesthetic, economic and cultural
aspects of our downtown,” he said.
Rutherford cautioned City of Greater Sudbury officials in their
permitting process to work with the owner to make the best of the
purchase.
“Let’s face it. If the building is torn down and it becomes just another parking lot, that would not mean much revenue for the City of Greater Sudbury. Surely we can do better than that,” said Rutherford.
- By Bill Bradley
