Springfield's 9th and Main: Curse or Con?

[thelakelander]

blizz01, if you want to see it, its in a fenced in lot on Ionia Street, just a half block north of 8th Street (on the left), in Springfield.

[stephendare]

ive got some property you could place it on!


lol, but then again so does chris hionides

[zoo]

Ock, talk with the city to see if it can be placed in the pocket park on Main. then open the restaurant. many trains as restaurants all over, but this is one of my favorites -- best greasy, cheesy chili in the west..

http://www.carneytrain.com/

[stephendare]

It looks like Van Horn is losing two more tenants on Main Street.

[thelakelander]

Who?

[pollygodders]

As someone who has lived less than half a block from 9th and main since its inception, I was aghast when justin and dave were railroaded out. Over 2 years they had built a perfect meeting place for people in the neighborhood, the food was fairly good, and there were plenty of things going on in the "theater", (art shows, plays, bands -think morrison pierce, kurt polkey, mactruque, etc.) thanks to jessica (if anyone remembers her). I was disgusted by what transpired between craig, justin and dave, and by the loss of a great community resource. After a period of ignoring everything up there out of loyalty to justin and dave, I tried to support a few of the restaurants that followed in their wake, but was wary. Nosh was fantastic, and that the chef was also trying to support and bring in indie music was a huge plus. unfortunately, short-lived and screwed again. We were thrilled to hear that the couple from crush was taking over, but they were gone even quicker. I have talked to  many of the people in this article, as well as others who have had dealings with craig, and the consensus is that craig will screw you over faster than you can say bankruptcy. We had a great next door neighbor for years in the house between our house and 9th and main - perfect tenent, quiet, friendly, smart, educated, and didn't seem to mind being right next door to live bands which were often quite loud and exuberant. He expressed his interest in buying the property from craig on several occasions and was shot down because craig wanted an exorbitant price for a decaying property which is bording on, if not outright decrepit. Personally, I would like to see craig lose 9th and Main in a settlement and for it to become the place it once was, or someplace even better. Unfortunately, Steven, I assumed boomtown would be there for a while, and I put off coming up there out of complaceny (and the fact that I love to cook and we rarely go out to eat.) When you open up your new digs, you can count on our support. We will never forget the kindness you and John showed us when we first moved to springfield, and the awesome times we have had in the past at Boomtown 

[stephendare]

Thanks Polly!

John and I have always loved you and Jeff.   Some of the most interesting people in the city.

Craig has a lot of issues that have affected the neighborhood.  Hopefully there are finally steps being taken to cure them.

[dknighton]

Very interesting story.  My only observation on the actual restaurant is that, during my very brief time living downtown, I went to 9th and Main once because you couldn't count on it being open consistently.  You're never going to build a customer base if they don't know from one day to the next if you're going to be open.  I don't think it has ever been managed well, by Van Horn or anyone else.

The story seems set out pretty well, with supporting quotes and facts.  If the trail of failure following Van Horn is to be believed, though, then why only now is someone seeking legal retribution against him?  Is he a slime-ball?  Possibly.  But one of these supposed "contracts" has got to stand up in a court of law.  Overall the tone of this story seems to be people making poor decisions to enter business agreements with Van Horn.

Hopefully tales of woe such as this will serve as a wakeup call to the various business-people, investors, and organizations directing the revitalization of Springfield.  These people can't seem to pull their collective heads out of their behinds long enough to realize they're embarassing themselves and the community they represent.  How can you expect the City to take you seriously when your own actions don't command respect?

[stephendare]

Craig Van Horn was the wonder boy, Dknighton.  After his coronation by Folio, unless you were directly involved in the details, none of the Springfield leadership really knew how serious it was.

He was brilliant in making sure to become the landlord for so many of his employees, providing them with their actual housing.  Speaking about the various details in his misadventure was pretty much out of the question for them.

People knew that something seemed to be wrong, but everytime there was a collapse, he followed it with the new group of 'investors', providing distraction.

[stephendare]

Well an interesting development came to light last night.

Apparently Van Horn has found yet ANOTHER investor in his troubled enterprizes.

Anecdotally, we found out last night that Mr. Van Horn recently managed to peel another 40 thousand dollar investment out of a Gainesville attorney, who invested in Craig's company, Symbiosis investments.

Apparently he is still hurting for money.

According to the source last night, Van Horn's new mark confided that 'Van Horn apparently really knows how to move the money around up there'.

I wonder if this means there is going to be yet another changeout at the restaurant?

[Driven1]

i love Folio Weekly!!!

[stephendare]

yeah no doubt.....They did make Craig Van Horn Man of the Year, after all.

[Capricorn]

 
Does anyone know if the business at 1610 N. Main St. is still for sale? If so, does anyone know who the realty company is? Despite all of the arguments between the local business owners, I have always wanted to own a business in this area.

Long Live BOOMTOWN and down with VAN HORN

[Driven1]

look everybody!!!  it's Craig Van Horn!!!!

[thelakelander]

Does anyone know if the business at 1610 N. Main St. is still for sale? If so, does anyone know who the realty company is? Despite all of the arguments between the local business owners, I have always wanted to own a business in this area.

Long Live BOOMTOWN and down with VAN HORN

Give SPAR (Springfield Preservation and Restoration) Council's offices a call.  They should be able to give you detailed information.

SPAR: 904-353-7727