What Do You Want to See at 509 Main Street?

Walk around Safety Harbor's downtown district on any given day and chances are you're going to hear the subject come up:

"What's going on with the building at 509 Main Street?"

"Have you heard any new news about the white building?"

"I heard the owner of the Main Street Market is trying to put a market and restaurant in 509 Main. That would be perfect!"

These are all quotes taken from various community members and business owners in town, making the two-story structure in the middle of Main Street the hot topic of conversation.

At a , the subject came up once again when it was revealed that Bill Bailey, the owner of the Main Street Market, was planning on putting a surf and turf market and tapas restaurant in the long-vacant building.

Bailey already has the plans drawn up and has presented them to the city, and he says he's received encouraging signs from the property owner, Anne Blackburn.

But that doesn't mean it's a done deal.

"We're working on it. We've been working on it," Bailey said from his market on the corner of Main and Second Avenue. "The plans are with the city, but it's a long process. We'll see what happens."

When contacted by Safety Harbor Patch, Blackburn had no comment other than to say the building "is currently unoccupied."

When asked what she thought of Bailey's plans, she reiterated her point. "I'm the owner of a vacant building. You need to be speaking to the person who plans to move in."

Bailey says Blackburn has been supportive of his plans, and he is cautiously optimistic he will be successful in his attempt to bring what he feels could be a vital piece to the downtown district, especially in that particular location.

"There is no other building like this in town. This building is unique," he says.

"We're close. We're very close. But until we sign the lease, nothing is official."

So what do you think should happen with the building at 509 Main Street? Please let us know in the comments below.