It seems as if the recently revitalized downtown Woodstock is falling apart. First I heard that Serene Bean, the only coffee house in old town Woodstock, is officially closed.
Then I hear that the City of Woodstock is purchasing a building on Highway 92. They are moving city hall, police, building department, everything under one roof in the three-story (35,000 SF) former Robert Harris Homes building. Rumor has it that the price for the building is $5.6 Million. These are troubling signs for Downtown Woodstock.
But let’s look at the glass half full…
The city plans to relocate in downtown Woodstock after they tear down their old city hall and build a new one. No time frame, but at least the goal is in place. The city will save hundreds of thousands of dollars by having all operations under one roof (maybe they will even become more efficient with building permits – I know really dreaming here.) The purchase price for the new building includes furnishings (it matters when you have to staff an entire city operation, furniture adds up).
As for the Serene Bean, something will replace it and probably soon. The location is too perfect for a coffee house or similarly themed restaurant. It is the prime spot across from the park and fountain and has a great landlord committed to making Woodstock better.
There is no doubt this is a blow to vitality of Woodstock, but I think things will work out in the long run.
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