Walking on South Lake Avenue, one cannot help but wonder what has happened to a once vibrant district that is now experiencing one of its sad and dire states. As other parts of Pasadena start to show signs of rebounding from the 2008 downfall of the economy, South Lake seems to be doing the opposite. A walk on south Lake Avenue reveals signs of a district delving more and more into its own depression period as more stores are closing and not enough new ones opening their doors.
The South Lake Business Association newsletter boasted recently that over 10,000 annual visitors attend their events. Gina Tleel, Executive Director of the South Lake Business Association, and one other office staff do a good job at attracting residents and outside visitors to such events, but one can only wonder if it is enough. Can two people in the office and two major events (Art Food and Holiday Celebration) translate actual dollar spending to the district and subsequently help attract more businesses to the area? Time will only tell.
Take a look at the following photos and judge for yourself (click on images to enlarge):
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