We continue with Part Five of this series.
We live in rural, small-town America. The population was 530 at the 2010 census. And now in November 2017, the population sign as you come into town reads “Population 487.” Bayfield is a destination location during the summer for tourists from around the country and the world.
Come mid to late October, the tourists are gone and many of the shops and lodging locations shutter their doors for the winter months. The hustle and bustle of the summer months are great for all who live and work here, and we’re also thankful for the peace and quiet of the winter months.
There are times during the winter months while driving downtown that the city appears to take on ghost town status. Parking along the main street is wide open, and businesses are shuttered. In times like these that I begin to ponder, ruminate and wonder what would happen if…?
Over these next 10 blog postings, I’m going to highlight random business properties in our town. The photos were randomly taken. There are new buildings, empty storefronts, and unimproved real-estate.
Today’s empty building is one that makes you scratch your head in wonder. This was a business that, according to their web blurb,
Located in Bayfield WI, Boreal Shores specializes in Sea Kayaking UK (NDK) and TideRace Kayaks, kayaking/camping gear, as well as outdoor clothing.
Given this area and its access to world-class fresh waters and the beauty of the outdoors of Northern Wisconsin, one has to pause and wonder, just why did they close? I’ve no knowledge nor will I speculate as to the reasons. As a result, our town has yet another empty storefront and failed business.
Now we could discuss the nature of business failures and that isn’t important here. We now have a prime piece of real estate available, on a corner lot on the main street in town. Are we in such a remote northern location that there are no forward thinking business people who see any potential in this location? No building costs, and likely a structure that is move in ready for your business. Not quite a turnkey location, but pretty darned close.