By Katie Winkler
Review Staff Writer
There are no shortages of new businesses looking to make downtown Lake Orion the go-to place in the area.
After opening up a store in downtown Davison, couple Paul and Deanna Snyder opened their second Elixer Boutique at 52 S. Broadway last week.
Elixer offers a variety of clothing from Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and New Jersey including brand names like Miss Me, Silver, Grace in LA and Mossy Oak.
These guaranteed quality clothing and accessories, including scarfs, jewelry and handbags, break the expensive boutique stereotype, offering fashionable outfits for juniors, women, men and plus sizes at reasonable prices.
‘We get our merchandise and price it to sell,? Paul Snyder said.
Elixer offers in-store shopping, in addition to catalogs for elegant dresses used for prom and homecoming dances. The Snyder’s are ‘here for the customers,? offering apointments to order dresses or shop within the store.
According to Lake Orion’s Downtown Development Authority director Suzanne Perreault, the Snyders ‘have been looking to get into Lake Orion for several months.?
When the owner of Photos Unique moved out, Elixer leased the store from landlord Ron Sweet.
Paul Snyder expresses their new business in downtown LO has had nothing but positive feedback.
‘People have been stopping by and welcoming us to the community, showing interest in our products and store,? Synder said. ‘We are happy to be here and love what we are seeing so far.?
Tesori Gift plans to close their doors mid-August. The owner of the building, Masonic Temple, has signed a lease over to another gift shop to take their place.
There were rumors about a yogurt shop going in on Flint Street but nothing is certain.
After participating in the purchase of the Ehman Center, Christian Mills has purchsed the downtown property at 33 North Broadway, last known as the Keep Coming Back Club. Potential businesses for this location include a restaurant or a yogurt shop, according to Perreault.
The 2004 fire that started in the kitchen of Sagebrush Cantina heavily damaged or destroyed surrounding businesses, including the old Broadway Music record store. Since the building was restored, it has been vacant. Perreault said there has been recent interest shown, but nothing is certain.
As previously reported, Lockhart’s Barbeque will be moving into the village hall building in downtown.
‘Everything is going forward and as planned. We voted on selling the building. The village is moving out so there is nothing new right now. It will be about six months or so until something happens,? Perreault said.
Lucky’s Natural Foods is renovating their store, including replacement of the old roof to make it more appealing.
This makeover will include a ‘significant invesment to the outside fa’ade, including more windows,? Perreault said.
While new businesses are looking to come to the downtown area, there are vacant locations available for purchase or leasing including the old Builders Custom Flooring, space across from the DDA office and the Applebees and The Hills Pizzeria located on Lapeer Rd. in Atwaters Commons.
‘I think there is a lot of interest to do business here. There just isn’t enough inventory. It is going to be very exciting to see some new developments,? Perreault said.