“Its proximity to the Inland Fiber & Data Technology Park, the USF Polytechnic Blue Sky Accelerator, the New Media Lab and the planned City parking garage make this a great location for a wide range of businesses and end–users,” said Angela Harwell, Broker for 6/10 Commercial, Inc. Harwell stated a number of lease commitments are already in place.

“It’s a great building. It just needs some work and we intend to do a very nice renovation,” said John Jebens, CTO and staff architect for the 6/10 Corporation. “It may be an older building but it will be equipped with the latest technology. We will extending some of the digital infrastructure available on the Inland Fiber campus to this building.”

The first floor consists of street retail and office space. A conference room, break area, copy/print/scan services and interior and al fresco common areas are planned for the second floor, and additional office space is offered on the third floor. Office amenities include a common conference room, fiber optic service to the building, Wi-Fi availability, and voice-over IP phone service is planned.

For further information contact Angela Harwell at (863) 595-0237, www.610commercial.com

Look for a total makeover for the former “Christy’s Sundown” … well, everything but the “Sundown” as that is what the establishment will be called when it reopens, possibly by December. Fred Johnson (of Fred’s Southern Kitchen fame and a Plant City restaurant dynasty) is finalizing arrangements with current owner James Bronkhorst.

The Sundown will feature new american cuisine with an emphasis on southern fare … an “upscale comfort food” as described by new manager Michael Johnson (Fred’s son) and a recent graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. Asked to cite an example Michael described “crab with sherry in puff pastry.”

Sounds like new beginnings and great tastes in a familiar location. We look forward to telling you when you can visit.

(A little history on the name … The Sundown was a restaurant when Nick Christy leased it in the early 1950s.  Back in the day, the Klemm Packinghouse operated across US 17 from the restaurant. When the workers got off for the day (at sundown) they would frequent the restaurant. The Klemm family still leases the property for use as a restaurant. The family and the community have a long-standing affection for the name. Pictured above: Sundown surrounded by citrus groves circa 1956)

Platinum Bank has moved into a newly remodeled permanent facility at 1285 First Street South at Avenue O, SW. The bank opened earlier this year in a temporary location adjacent to the new site. Senior Vice President Mike Compton and other bank officers participated in ribbon cutting ceremonies with City and Chamber officials on Thursday, November 6.

Platinum will join with Straughn & Turner Attorneys to host the Chamber’s November 20 Networking Showcase. The ribbon cutting is shown below.

T3 Communications, Inc. based in Fort Myers has opened its second data center in Winter Haven. Together with 6/10 Corporation, T3 Communications has designed its data center (pictured at right) to serve SMB, Enterprise, Government and carrier customers as well as others in need of a secure site for IT infrastructure and disaster recovery needs. This data center features redundant power and cooling systems, high-speed fiber connectivity to the Internet and 24/7 monitoring and surveillance. Located downtown the structure is category 4 hurricane wind load certified and more than 140 feet above sea level.

The technical description of the new center is carrier neutral data and enterprise collocation data center. Adam Sewall, president and CEO of T3 notes, “In order to meet the demands for expansion of advanced data and voice services to businesses in Florida, Winter Haven has proven to be an ideal location.”

Carl J. Strang, III, president of the 6/10 Corporation said, “T3 has built an advanced data center in our Inland Fiber and Data Technology Park located in downtown Winter Haven. We are pleased to add T3 to the growing list of technology companies that have chosen to locate in Polk County. Our inland location and proximity to the Tampa and Orlando markets make Polk County a logical choice for next generation technology providers such as T3.”

Platinum Bank has opened their new Winter Haven location at 1169 First Street, South … former location of a jeweler. Mike Compton, Senior Vice President notes the initial soft opening is behind them and all systems are go for this location.

Platinum will operate in Bell’s Alley until renovations are completed on 1285 1st Street South, former home to Cornerstone Hospice which is moving to a new location. The bank plans a major facelift for the building which was originally built as a First Union Bank in 1988. Ironically, a slightly younger Compton coordinated its construction. The new look is presented below.

We hear that there may be a new “Depot” in store for Winter Haven. Word is that when the new Publix store opens at Southeast Plaza, the present grocery store location will be remodeled and home to an Office Depot.

Jeff Vandiver, General Manager of the Best Western Admiral’s Inn has announced expansion and renovation plans for the hotel. The new building will have 90 suites and eight king rooms with hot tubs for a total of 98 new rooms. Plans call for a full range of amenities including wired and wireless high speed internet, fitness center, business center and meeting rooms. The existing building will get an exterior facelift in the process. The new building will be located in front of the existing structure. The miniature golf course that occupies a portion of the site has been closed and will be demolished.

Vandiver commented, “We are very excited about the expansion of our hotel. With the continued growth in the southeast area of Winter Haven, we feel this will complement the new growth that has already taken place. As the preferred hotel of Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, we wanted to ensure that our guests receive the best accommodations the area has to offer. Once construction has been completed, approximately twenty new jobs will be created for the greater Winter Haven area. Our owner is proud to be a part of this community and this investment assures that we will be here for many years to come.”

A groundbreaking is expected in early 2008 with completion in the Fall.

Warm colors and glass accent panels decorate and define the various spaces of the new look. We’ve placed a couple of “sneak peeks” below.

From this vantage point you are standing where the bar used to be looking toward the walk-in cooler. This smaller service bar area will serve private functions.

This view looks directly where the stage used to be. If you look carefully in front of the left- hand beverage cooler you can see the establishment’s namesake, Tanner. The new bar features antique heart-of-pine planks salvaged from the floor that was removed.

November 2 and 3 … one more great Winter Haven place to dine out!

La Vita Dolce Reopens …

Jennifer Oliva and Anita Horn (right) have reopened La Vita Dolce, their unique downtown gift boutique. The store closed in early summer for remodeling.

The reopening occurs during their 3rd annual Witches Brew event today (October 5) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 – 8 p.m. and tomorrow (October 6) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop in, say hi and look at their scary “boo-tique.”

More about Arabella’s Ristorante …

We recently reported that Arabella’s would return to Winter Haven with a downtown “bistro” type of restaurant in the space that was occupied by the original Tanner’s Pub. We have learned the popular local “ristorante” will occupy all of the space formerly occupied by Cafe Panino. Look for an opening late this year and watch the Chamber blog for the opening date.

Smoke Free “Flip Side” to Open Soon …

The folks at Jessie’s downtown will soon open a smoke free lounge called “Flip Side” immediately south of their current location on Third Street, SW. The space has previously been used for art benefits for local not-for-profit organizations. So, if you’re looking for a smoke free environment to finalize your next sale or unwind with a cocktail after work … watch this blog for the opening of “Flip Side.”