Village Squire, 1978-11, Page 6Over the last few years if you wanted to raise an argument in
downtown Stratford all you had to do was bring up the topic of
the group of vacant store windovj that stared out at Erie.
Ontario and Downie streets in the heart of the downtown.
Those buildings, centreing on the old Gordon Block which
fronted on Ontario Street were the focal point of a long and
heated debate over what' should be happening in downtown
Stratford. Originally many city councils ago. there was a grand
scheme for downtown redevelopment which would see the
Gordon block and the many older stores behind it come tumbling
down to make way for a futuristic new project. It was to be the
answer to a prayer for many with a number of small shops and
restaurants built around a major hotel in the heart of downtown.
To others. the whole thing was a nightmare. They felt the
Gordon Block in particular was an historic landmark which
should be preserved. not razed.
The battle went on for months, then years over coffee at local
restaurants, on street corners and in the letters to the editor
column of the Stratford Beacon -Herald. Some businessmen felt
the modern new development was essential to helping combat
the drift of people to other cities or to suburban shopping
centres. Others felt the buildings could be judiciously renovated
to provide an impetus to bringing business downtown while still
preserving the old architecture. At times the discussion became
very heated and somewhat bitter.
In the end, however, the whole debate was for naught. The
redevelopment plans fell through because the major hotel chain
withdrew. Later another plan also went by the boards. The
buildings sat there, staring blankly out at passersby. Whether
people agreed on what should be done with them before, they
were certainly unanimous on one thing: they wanted to see
something happen.
So of course did city hall. The city had invested a lot of money
in buying up the properties so that they'd be available for
redevelopment and now the costs of those vacant buildings
becoming a major drain on the city's finances. In addition there
It's ear piercing - $5.99
It's comfortable, original and
unique.
It's specialty candles
[refillable].
It's fashionable clothing.
It's mod and modern
jewellery.
It's special gifts for everyone.
Home oven ceramic supplies.
Macrame supplies.
It's your store, we love
to have you share in!
it's
S nuggos .
�
* The feeling you get when
you've just bought
somebody something nice
... at
La Boutique
43 West St.
Goderich
41'he Village Squire November 1978
Brick is everywhere in Festival Square as the old brick walls were
cleaned off as an integral part of the theme of the new mall.
CAROLYN PORTER
fl ppoi men t
Clarence Denomme of Ball &
Mutch Home Furnishings is
pleased to announce the appoint-
ment of Carolyn Porter as interior
design consultant.
Carolyn is a recent graduate of an
I.C.S. Interior and Decoration
Design Course.
Let Carolyn help you plan a new
perfectly co-ordinated decor for
any room in your home ... decorate
your home to suit your personality.
Drop into our store. or give us a
call and Carolyn will come to your
home with our free decorating
service.
Come in to Ball & Mutch Home
Furnishings, and let Carolyn's
experience work for you.
BALL & MUTCH LTD.
HOME FURNISHINGS
CLINTON -- 482-9505