[JoninATX]

Temple nurtures lofty ideas


http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/13935...nue-Temple-TX/

BY SHANE ERSLAND
Dec. 29. 2013

TEMPLE — City officials and business leaders are constantly exploring new ways to revitalize downtown, and an interest in multiuse buildings there could provide a boost for the area.

In the Mood Ballroom owner Karen Gonzalez lives above the downtown business at 13 S. Main St. with her husband, Rudy. The couple bought the building in 1999 because they were able to renovate and use the 6,600-square-foot lower level as a dance studio, while living in the building’s spacious 6,600-square-foot upper level.

"There’s definitely advantages and disadvantages,” Gonzalez said about living and working in the same building. “But the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages. And you don’t have to commute.”

A possible spike in multiuse activity downtown could come from the renovation of the Hawn Hotel. The Temple City Council approved a letter of intent in September authorizing the hotel’s redevelopment. Criterion Management Group LLC will renovate the property, which will feature urban condominium units in its upper floors. The first floor of the Hawn Hotel’s main building will be developed as retail space, support services and a restaurant.

Additional retail downtown will draw significant activity, Gonzalez said.

“Eventually, we’ll have shops that will support more urban downtown living,” she said. “Downtown living is becoming popular with younger people. But you have to have reasons for people to come downtown. We have nothing to draw people.”

The addition of dress shops, men’s clothing stores and convenience stores are among the types of businesses that would benefit downtown, Gonzalez said.

http://kdhnews.com/business/temple-n...a4bcf6878.html