For the first time in a decade, there are no vacancy signs hanging in any of the properties on Court Street.
Wendy Jakmas, president of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, said having Court Street filled not only benefits Athens’ local economy, but also adds to the “vibrancy of Uptown Athens.”
“A packed Court Street is a win, win, win,” Jakmas said. “It’s good for the city of Athens, it’s wonderful for the university (in terms of) recruiting and visiting alumni and, of course, it’s positive for our local economy and business.”
Though late-night drunk food, cozy coffee shops and artisan clothing stores are just a few of the Uptown signatures that call the notorious brick-paved street home, this wasn’t always the case, said John Wharton, president of the Athens Uptown Business Association.
Over the years, Wharton said Court Street has housed men’s clothing stores, large department stores, such as Belk, and various hardware stores.
“We are finally in a time when we have businesses that cater to the Athens audience,” Wharton said. “It’s the bars, restaurants and clothing stores that continue to be financially successful while adding charm to Uptown.”
With the university purchasing the former Woolworth building, which had been vacant since 1994, and Ginger, the Asian-fusion restaurant slated to open in the old Burger King space soon, which has been empty since 2003, Wharton said these properties demonstrate the potential of Court Street real estate.
“These properties sat empty for so long not because people didn’t approach them, but the owners were unrealistic when it came to negotiating leases,” Wharton said. “There is no reason why properties should be vacant when we have so many creative OU students and graduates who would love to stay in Athens and have their own business.”
Along with these recent additions, Wharton said the attraction of living on Court Street among the student body has also influenced a full street.
He added that though the relationship between the city and the university “has never been better,” the semester switch has negatively affected businesses.
“(OU) has been very supportive of the Uptown efforts to make it an attractive place to do business, with the exception of the school year,” Wharton said.
“Their decisions are not predicated based upon what is best for the businesses, because if that was their concern, we would have never gone to semesters.”
Debby Fulks, owner of Court Street Coffee, is one of the 41 business owners who make up the Athens Uptown Business Association. She said she joined immediately after she opened in 2009 continues to be an active member.
“Everyone thinks that our economy is in a downward spiral, but having a (full Uptown) shows and reflects differently,” Fulks said. “I think it’s great that people can walk up and down Court Street and have a multitude of choices. Whether it’s an eatery, a coffee shop or a clothing store, we have it in Athens.”
sl642509@ohiou.edu
