Not only is it more expensive to live in Wilton Manors, running a business is costing a lot more, and there’s no relief in sight. That’s forcing local business owners to pay up or move out.
Claudia Castillo ART Studio recently left its old home in the Eagle building and moved across the street to the ground level shops in The Gables, which itself is not exactly known for low cost space.
Castillo says after seven years, her business had grown, and it was time to find more space. However, it was the skyrocketing rents that forced the issue. While the new gallery is open, a ribbon cutting ceremony is set for April 11, at 6:30 p.m. at 2180 Wilton Drive.
Myth Gastropub, which itself replaced Courtyard Cafe last year, will provide food for the party.
Wilton Collective is still getting used to its new location. After being prominently located next to The Venue for years, the building owner forced a move to the new location 1414 NE 26th St., where Holy Mackerel once sat.
The move upended WC’s business, and it was closed for a month while they moved in and got approval to use the space as retail and not restaurant. Owner Julian Cavazos is happy to have more space for vendors in the upscale consignment store. He will also rent the adjoining space for events and parties.
But the expanded floor space and events comes with the price of losing the visibility that comes with being on Wilton Drive.
Cavazos will hold the official grand opening Friday, April 26, at 5 p.m., though their regular Friday evening mixers restart this Friday.
So, what is happening with the old location on The Drive? Not much. Many thought owners had a new tenant ready to go, but the building sits empty with a for rent sign out front.
Cavazos and crew had barely moved the last box of clothes before the owner had a crew outside painting over the magnificent mural created by local artist Avi Ram.
The South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) is also facing a move. They’re in the same building as Eagle. Their lease is up in October, and the new owner of the building wants to increase rent from $40 per square foot to more than $90.
When SFSO got their lease, the old landlord gave them “office space” rates. The new owner is “reclassifying” the space as retail, which costs more. The group is looking at their options.
