Downtown Lake Wales

“People need the towns they call home to be practical and economical, but they also want them to be inspiring.” -Victor Dover, Dover Kohl & Partners

A century ago, the Olmstead Brothers and William Lyman Phillips, the best landscape architects and urban designers of their generation, had high aspirations for what the new settlement of Lake Wals should become: living, growing, viral, beautiful, motivating works of art. Glimpses of those aspirations are visible in their work at Bok Tower Gardens and Mountain Lake (both north and contiguous to Lake Wales). Their design vision for the downtown was also boldly green: a city as a garden, its gleaming downtown on a hill, rising as if from the Garden of Eden.

Lake Wales Main Street, Inc.

A 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, Lake Wales Main Street, Inc. is a recognized Main Street® program among the national network of more than 2,000 communities who share a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger downtowns through preservation-based economic development.

HOW IT WORKS

Lake Wales Main Street, Inc. is staffed by a full-time Executive Director who is the principal on-site staff person that coordinates the strategic workplan, utilizing historic preservation within the context of historic preservation. To achieve their goal of a prosperous, vibrant downtown, the Executive Director and Board of Directors utilizes the Main Street America

Four-Point Approach/Transformation Strategies: Design, Promotion, Economic Vitality and Organization.

Mission Statement:

Revitalizing the Lake Wales historic downtown into an economically strong and diverse core by implementing the Lake Wales Connected plan.

Vision Statement:

For our historic downtown district to be a vibrant and welcoming destination as both the heartbeat of eastern Polk County and a “City in a Garden,” with its connection to Bok Tower and the Olmsted Vision.

Value Statements:

1. To uphold the highest design standards while preserving the historical integrity of our downtown resources

2. To encourage a mix of downtown businesses that meet a broad range of citizens’ needs and contribute meaningfully to the City’s tax base.

3. To develop and foster partnerships with all local citizens, community organizations and governmental agencies.

Four Point Approach©

ORGANIZATION:

A strong organizational foundation is key for a sustainable Main Street revitalization effort. The focus is ensuring that all organizational resources (partners, funding, volunteers, civic organizations, etc.) are united to effectively meet the end goal of a vibrant and successful downtown.

PROMOTION:

Lake Wales Main Street promotions take many forms with the ultimate goal of positioning our historic downtown as the center of the community and the hub of economic activity.

Promotions can range from street festivals to retail merchandising and from community education to marketing and public relations.

DESIGN:

The Lake Wales Connected design plan builds on our assets, preserves our historic resources, and unlocks the potential for greatness in the built environment. The Plan adopts the highest design standards, provides a stage for cultural, educational, and social activities, and serves as a catalyst for private investment/re-development.

ECONOMIC VITALITY:

The Lake Wales Connected plan is a powerful economic development tool. Not only will it reinvigorate downtown, and stimulate private investment, but also create new businesses and jobs, and save tax dollars. Economic vitality encompasses adaptive re-use, including upstairs housing; business retention for the small business owner and entrepreneur; and business recruitment.

Board of Directors

Scott Crews, President

Dolores Vogel, Vice President

Erika Runkle, Secretary

Kristie Reed, Treasurer

Brandon Alvardo

Ryan Buskirk

Lori Cunningham

Kathy Hallum

Rusty Ingley

Tammy James

Rob Quam

Margie Sikes

Alricky Smith

Pete Weber

Sandy Wolf

Leigh Ann Wynn

Skip Alford, Ex-Officio

Stephanie Edwards, Ex-Officio

Tommy Frank, Ex-Officio