Chasing the Seasons

Chasing the Seasons

Owning a shop has launched me into a pattern of chasing the seasons.  After the fall & winter holidays, I scramble to stow that snugly for the next year, & fill the empty space with all things hopeful for a new year.  

Spring is such a fleeting season, by the time I am pleased with the display, it’s time for the long summer ahead.  As far as home decor, however, most of us direct our attention to the outdoors and activity, so we are less focused on decorating our homes.  We just want our restful retreat to come home to.  This is a model I embrace and practice myself.

Therefore, here on Main Street, I am enjoying my focus on the humans that come through my doors- enjoying each one & offering just a little retail therapy, maybe a cup of coffee or conversation.

The slow and quiet time awakens creativity again, feeling an edge on the seasonal chase.  We have time… those of us on the fall side of summer know all too well, how the passage of time is actually racing along at a faster pace than we realize.  That’s why when my friends come through the shop during a slow time & ask ‘how’s business?’ & I say ‘This is a slow time of year, but not bad’ …it is not with disappointment, but enjoyment.  The bills still need to be paid, but somehow, they continue to be met just fine, if not better.

 

 

Designing Main Street

Designing Main Street

A Bit of My History

I didn’t grow up in Belton.  I haven’t seen the changes through the years.  I did visit Mary’s Mountain Cookies and Tara’s a couple of times randomly in the last five years & I remember my impression.  Cute area, has potential.

Then, in 2019 the opportunity came up & I took the leap of buying a shop to rehab.  Looking out my front windows, I viewed the street daily & ideas processed.  I don’t have formal credentials, but I do have extensive experience in collaborating with those who do… and have studied design principles and color theory for most of my adult life.    Hands-on with remodels from church to friends to family for over 20 years. 

Leadership Needed

Like most historic Main Streets, Belton has a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of this historic district called Downtown Belton Main Street Inc.  (DBMSI) Wanting to be more involved using my skills and ability to help make it happen, I joined this group, offered to chair the Design Committee, and promote my vision.  I have talked to several of the building owners about ‘their’ vision for simple color updates.   Interesting, to say the least, but what I am hearing is either they are indifferent or they want their shop to pop, to be brighter and stand out above the rest, whether it’s good design or not.  They just want to be seen & do their thing. 

A Vision Needed

I’m looking at the street as a whole, and thinking… if each shop aims for the best ‘history meets future’ and considers the contrast or coordination with adjacent buildings, the design and color would be narrowed down to ‘what the building calls for’.   It would be a natural choice.  There are so many ways to incorporate individuality and signature style and colors and still be a part of the coordinated ‘whole’. 

A designer and artist guides the eye along in any composition.  The row buildings of Main Street are no different.  If each building is finished out in its best form, the whole will be attractive.  What people will notice is that this area pops!   The key phrase here is ‘be attractive’.  Good design will attract better businesses and a rising tide raises all ships.  Word will spread and businesses will grow.

Community Needed

For the last year, I have chatted with my customers about this- about Main Street & what a genuine treasure it has the potential of becoming.  This is what I see as a newcomer to Belton.  With the business and population busting at the seams, I see a real need to develop this unique area into a destination for foot traffic… an arts, retail, and dining area for people to stroll. 

Some years back there were some extensive design guidelines drawn up involving pocket parks, railroad landscaping,  historic structures (depot) rehabbed, biking trails, etc…    a wonderful vision proposed, but abandoned.   I’m wondering if there are others who think this area’s time has arrived, or it is it just me?

I would love to hear some feedback from those who frequent Main Street, or who have just visited.  What are your thoughts on color & style for buildings?   Should there be oversight & ordinances?    Should we ordinance the percentage of business to be retail, dining & arts?   We want the best for all.  But this area belongs to Belton, and I personally would love to get a conversation going with people who love the area as much as I do.   Please comment below.  Thank you!