Cloud Springs Plaza sold; businesses have high hopes
The businesses in Cloud Springs Plaza on LaFayette Road where it meets Cloud Springs Road have a new landlord: America’s Realty LLC, based in Baltimore.
Jerry Cooper, owner of Wash Daze Coin Laundry at the south corner of the plaza, says that if the new landlords do what they’re talking about doing, it will be good for Fort Oglethorpe.
“The actual management of the plaza will be handled by local people,” says Cooper. “That’s a good thing.”
Cooper says he’d like to see a Harbor Freight Tools locate in the space once occupied by Food Lion and empty since 2012. “The demographics indicate that would be a good choice,” he says.
Cooper says there’s talk of building an outparcel on the 12-acre lot. “If they do that, I hope they’re careful how they place it — so it doesn’t block the view of other businesses.”
“A big thing,” Cooper says, “is getting the empty spots filled. I’d like to see them improve the general appearance of the plaza, too.” Cooper, who also owns a coin laundry in Chickamauga, is hopeful about the new turn of events for the plaza.
Mitul Patel, owner of Beverage World, which specializes in American craft beers and imported beers, as well as home-brewing supplies, says his main concern is to get a good anchor store in where Food Lion used to be. “A grocery store might be ideal,” he says. “A farmers’ market would be good, too.” Patel would also like to see the parking lot repaved and the plaza decorated to look more attractive. Beverage World has been located in the plaza since 2003 and has expanded into a second unit in that time. Patel says he has considered moving his store to Battlefield Parkway in the past, but since his is a destination business and not one people tend to wander into because they notice it from another place they’re visiting, he feels comfortable staying where he is for now.
Robin Blaylock has been manager of World Finance Corp., a loan and tax service, for the 16 years it’s been located in Cloud Springs Plaza. “This is a good location,” she says. “We’ve never had any safety issues here.” She says new lights were recently installed in the parking lot, further improving the security of the location.
“I’d love to see a restaurant go in,” says Blaylock, “and a grocery outlet would make a good anchor store.”
Blaylock says she hopes some effort will go into letting people know the shopping center is part of Fort Oglethorpe. “We’re kind of forgotten up on this end of town, the same way LaFayette Road is forgotten on the other end.”