Gem City’s downtown getting polished

As 2021 draws to a close, Palatka embraces new life in historic business corridor

  • While renewal and redevelopment in Palatka’s downtown district has been murky and cloudy for decades – not unlike the hazy view seen here from the Memorial Bridge on Tuesday – the town’s hub has experienced a bit of a growth spurt over the past few years. With more projects in the works for the “Gem City on the St. Johns,” 2022 promises more changes. CASMIRA HARRISON/Palatka Daily News
    While renewal and redevelopment in Palatka’s downtown district has been murky and cloudy for decades – not unlike the hazy view seen here from the Memorial Bridge on Tuesday – the town’s hub has experienced a bit of a growth spurt over the past few years. With more projects in the works for the “Gem City on the St. Johns,” 2022 promises more changes. CASMIRA HARRISON/Palatka Daily News
  • While renewal and redevelopment in Palatka’s downtown district has been murky and cloudy for decades – not unlike the hazy view seen here from the Memorial Bridge on Tuesday – the town’s hub has experienced a bit of a growth spurt over the past few years. With more projects in the works for the “Gem City on the St. Johns,” 2022 promises more changes. CASMIRA HARRISON/Palatka Daily News
    While renewal and redevelopment in Palatka’s downtown district has been murky and cloudy for decades – not unlike the hazy view seen here from the Memorial Bridge on Tuesday – the town’s hub has experienced a bit of a growth spurt over the past few years. With more projects in the works for the “Gem City on the St. Johns,” 2022 promises more changes. CASMIRA HARRISON/Palatka Daily News
  • Tenants of The 100 Block building are seen at the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. From left: Katie Giblin, Riverside Wealth Advisors; Charlie Douglas, Douglas Law and The 100 Block owner; Kristie Powers of The Lofts apartments; Dr. Stephen and Donna Feibelman, Vehchoff’s Corner restaurant; Taylor Douglas, Taylor Douglas Realty; Crystal Langston, The Parlor on 2nd; Mark Stanton, Mark Stanton, CPA; and outgoing Chamber Chairman Wayne McClain. MICHAEL LEONARD/Palatka Daily News
    Tenants of The 100 Block building are seen at the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. From left: Katie Giblin, Riverside Wealth Advisors; Charlie Douglas, Douglas Law and The 100 Block owner; Kristie Powers of The Lofts apartments; Dr. Stephen and Donna Feibelman, Vehchoff’s Corner restaurant; Taylor Douglas, Taylor Douglas Realty; Crystal Langston, The Parlor on 2nd; Mark Stanton, Mark Stanton, CPA; and outgoing Chamber Chairman Wayne McClain. MICHAEL LEONARD/Palatka Daily News
  • Palatka resident and Realtor Robbie Correa purchased a former children's shop at 715 St. Johns Avenue and turned it into a marketplace for local goods, vintage finds and art work. GINGER DANTO/Special to the Daily News
    Palatka resident and Realtor Robbie Correa purchased a former children's shop at 715 St. Johns Avenue and turned it into a marketplace for local goods, vintage finds and art work. GINGER DANTO/Special to the Daily News
  • Standing at the front door of his law offices in the 100 Block building he owns along with his wife, Brittany. GINGER DANTO/Special to the Daily News
    Standing at the front door of his law offices in the 100 Block building he owns along with his wife, Brittany. GINGER DANTO/Special to the Daily News
By Ginger Danto Special to the Daily News There have been bright spots blinking here and there with new businesses reclaiming empty storefronts, but overall, downtown Palatka has been simmering on…

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