The next 'Hyde Park' of Lakeland

Saturday, September 6, 2008

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A historic area in Lakeland is trying to reinvent itself as an arts district.

POLK COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A historic area in Lakeland is trying to reinvent itself as an arts district.

Something new is popping up in the middle of the Lake Morton Historic district that's creating a buzz around town.

Old houses have been transformed into an art studio and a bead shop. Across McDonald Street, the old RC Cola bottling building now houses an eclectic vintage shop, artist's boutique, and nail salon.

"Our vision is that this will one day become the Hyde Park of Lakeland," said developer George Burt.

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Burt started buying the buildings one by one years ago with that vision. He calls the newly revitalized area "the art colony".

Burt says more interest is growing, with the first five tenants now open for business. He's in the process of transforming some storage units into even more storefronts.

He hopes to attract unique shops and restaurants. There's also plans to turn an old church building into studios for local artists.