- May 8, 2024
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Gaslamp Shoppes is now full, completing owners’ dreams.
Wayne Grant
News Editor
Standing in the former skate shop in the Gaslamp Shoppes is a visit back in time. The huge beams supporting the floor and lattice across interior walls were crafted by workmen a century ago. The “bones” are exposed now, because the space is being converted for an expansion of the Kale Café Juice Bar and Vegan Cuisine, which opened in June, but already needs more space because of its popularity.
“Ormond Beach has embraced us with open arms,” said Kale owner Omar Brown.
Expected to be complete by the end of the year, the expansion means that Gaslamp Shoppes, 42 E. Granada Blvd., is now fully leased, and the vision of real estate developers Lewis and Angela Heaster is just about complete.
“We’re really excited about that,” Lewis Heaster said recently
The Heasters bought the property a couple of years ago and have remodeled the exterior with the “gaslamp” theme to tie in with the history of the area, including The Casements and Billy’s Tap Room.
Angela Heaster said she developed the concept after seeing a historic area in San Diego with flickering gaslamps at night.
“A gaslamp district seemed to fit here,” she said.
One of the recent improvements to the property has been a courtyard in back with tables and umbrellas which can be used by customers of any of the shops. After the Kale remodeling, diners will have more direct access to the area to enjoy their meals outside.
Parking for the shops is in the lot by the tennis courts, but there’s also parking along the street, which Lewis Heaster points out is unique. Businesses, especially along West Granada Boulevard, have lost their street parking in recent years and have lots in back.
Heaster said he’s never had a project with so much community support. He said many people have thanked him for investing in the downtown area.
The Heasters now have the mix of tenants they sought from the beginning, with a restaurant, beauty shop, florist, wine and cheese and a gift shop.
Angela Heaster said their goal was to have small businesses, operated by the owners, that work together and have a synergy.
Angela Heaster said she has been surprised at the amount of foot traffic on the sidewalk.
“There are always people going to the beach or to the park,” she said.
The Heasters used a building improvement grant from the city, a $50,000 fund match to remodel the exterior. Lewis Heaster said he hopes the success of his project encourages more public/private partnerships in the downtown area.
New gift shop offers unique items
Angela Heaster said she wanted a gift shop for the Gaslamp Shoppes, and opened one herself Sept. 1 called Gaslamp Gift Gallery.
She has worked with her husband in the real estate development business, and been a stay-at-home mom for their three children, but also has experience as buyer for local boutique, which she said has been very valuable in running the shop.
“Thank goodness I had that experience,” she said.
Buying is still her favorite thing to do at the shop, and she fills the shelves with mostly local, handmade items. She has a card for each item, explaining where it came from and who made it.
“I prefer local crafters,” she said.
She loves to “be on the hunt” for unique items.
“When I find something really cool, I’m beside myself,” she said. “When I hear customers talking about an item, it makes it all worthwhile.”
She tries to keep an old-fashioned feel about the place, with such touches as hand-written price tags.
She says she has something for everyone, from children to adults and both men and women, and personalized gift wrapping is an important feature.
Kale will offer many more “tings”
The expansion of Kale Café Juice Bar and Vegan Cuisine will allow much more seating and offer up some possibilities for the future. Omar Brown, who owns the business along with wife Camille, said they may have an open mic night, or perhaps poetry or music after it’s completed.
He’ll have room for a cooler and refrigerator, so the business can stand alone and not rely so much on their other restaurant in Daytona Beach. He also plans to have more baked goods.
One of the changes since opening in June is that they now offer many more items to go, including organic juices.
The families of both Camille and Omar are from Jamaica, but Camille Brown said the cuisine is Caribbean, with influences from throughout the islands.
Her husband said they are very pleased with the way business has gone since opening.
“We’re very, very excited to bring this to the community,” he said.
Opposing plans for the MacDonald House
Lewis Heaster said he has submitted plans to the city for the MacDonald House and is waiting to hear from them. He would tear the building down and expand his Gas Lamp Shoppes development.
“I submitted a letter of intent a year ago,” he said. “I’m still waiting for them to accept.”
He believes the building would be too expensive to restore and it has become a burden to the city. He said he could generate jobs and economic growth to the city by expanding.
Also waiting to hear from the city is the Ormond Beach Historical Society, but their intention is to restore the building, and convert it to a museum for Ormond Beach, utilizing all three floors. Suzanne Heddy, executive director of the society, said the building was constructed in 1895, and is part of the historic area that includes The Casements and Billy’s Tap Room.
When the City Commission developed a list of goals earlier this year, a plan for historic preservation was included.
Heddy said they have notified the city that the society is ready to present their plans for a museum and said the society believes the building can be restored. She said it is not currently up to code and should be brought into compliance.
“We’re waiting on their response,” she said.
