Business Watch

Wanamaker corridor gets lighting business

But he's not seeing it make much difference to the bottom line for most of the businesses on the strip.But the affordability of nearby housing is only part of the story. The other is low rent for storefronts, a result of a stagnant economy.Free-lance writer Noel Black assisted with this report.Nancy Stovall, president of the Historic District Merchants of Old Colorado City (yes, the short shopping district has two associations) and owner of the 19-year-old Pine Creek Gallery, says that she and other longtime merchants are concerned that the neighborhood could end up like downtown if development becomes too focused on restaurants and bars."We spoke to them, and they spoke to us, and it was fine," she said. "What I'm also seeing is that it's not scaring away our other customers, the people who are our buyers."The business offers lighting fixtures, table and floor lamps, crystal chandeliers, ceiling fans, wall sconces, track lighting, outdoor lighting and bath and kitchen lighting.Keith C. Whightsil, president and chief executive officer, said the new location provides good connections to US-75 and US-24 highways and to the Oakland Expressway. Those connections provide convenient access to the USDOT-Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration; the Kansas Corporation Commission, transportation division; and the Kansas Department of Revenue, motor carrier services bureau with which the company does business.The medium-sized portions were well presented and accompanying our meat were roast potatoes, homemade Yorkshire puddings, cold stuffing and plenty of veg with a mix of swede, parsnip, cauliflower and peas.The extensive "means complaining After studying the chalk boards rather than a traditional paper menu, me and my hungry dining partner promptly ordered a chicken and beef roast dinner, a mere pinch at two for pounds 7. We also decided to try a couple of side orders, opting for a round of tasty onion rings and mozzarella fingers with dips.Of course, cool isn't something easily measured, but consider this: Neither the jazz club Motif nor the alt-music venue The Loft even have signs outside their businesses. If you're in the know, you already know about them, and if you're not ... well, keep driving.LUCY ROUEGOOD GRUB - Hyem in Heaton is a great place for a very reasonably priced roast

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Author: Mike Hall