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Advocate Editorial Board opinion: New development is restoring downtown

  • By the Advocate Editorial Board
  • Originally published January 7, 2013 at 5:57 p.m., updated January 7, 2013 at 5:57 p.m.

We love downtown Victoria. This integral portion of our city has seen numerous improvements and developments over the past few years. Now, with the help of some area business owners, the downtown area will continue to grow and flourish.

The former department store at 212 S. Main St. is owned by Torin Bales. The 8,000-square-foot building sat empty for decades, but now Bales has a plan to revitalize the space and transform it into a restaurant or reception venue while restoring the historic facade of the building. He also owns a property on Williams Street he plans to restore and use as a retail and corporate rental space. Bales hopes to have the facades of both buildings completed by March or April.

Robby and Tami Burdge also own a property on Williams Street. They purchased the former Wells Fargo drive-thru bank at 101 S. William St., which they plan to transform into a set of loft apartments. The couple hopes to offer affordable housing that appeals to multiple ages and interests.

On top of One O'Connor Plaza, Dennis Patillo and Louise Hull Patillo are renovating what used to the The Oak Room into a new steakhouse. The couple hopes to open the restaurant in the spring.

We wish these investors the best of luck in their efforts. Each of these projects will bring a new element to downtown Victoria's success, and we look forward to seeing how these different pieces develop and fit together in the years to come.

Downtown Victoria has the potential to be the jewel of our city, and with all the work put in by both the city and private investors, this formerly forgotten, rugged area is beginning to polish up nicely.

The appeal of a downtown area is in the variety of services and stores available in a small area. Anyone can drive around town to run errands or go shopping, but a lively downtown offers a different, enjoyable experience. Visitors can park and stroll through the area, visit shops, go to the post office and grab some lunch all in one stop. If Victoria's leaders and businesses continue to cultivate this close-knit, friendly atmosphere downtown, our community will have a true gem that will bring prosperity for years to come.

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.