When talking with friends and out-of-town relatives, it’s easy to brag about the benefits of the Lewes area. As one of those families lucky enough to live within walking distance of downtown Lewes, my wife and I often find ourselves ticking off a list of all the businesses and places we enjoy in the Second Street corridor. There are shops and restaurants, bars and drop-in food places; and, of course, plenty of real estate offices.
And what a delight they are! Within a few short blocks between Savannah Road and St. Peter’s Church, there are no fewer than four real estate offices occupying some of the largest and most historically significant properties on the commercial strip. Round the corner on Savannah and you can add two more, one taking up a whole block behind the widest sidewalk in the city.
I point this out not to begrudge hardworking Realtors, nor do I dismiss the need to support the rental real estate market in an area that relies heavily on tourist revenue in season. It’s just ... why Second Street? Why Savannah Road near the canal? Why dedicate so much of our precious downtown for businesses that close at 5 p.m. every day and do little to attract foot traffic? A few of these offices were recently renovated when old tenants moved out – one a bank, the other a historic home. They were perfect for a restaurant or a local retailer or two – the kind of businesses a community could brag about.
Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. It should be noted that two of the largest and most well-known real estate businesses in the area opted to put their offices just outside of town along Kings Highway, and they’re doing quite well. A lesson learned.
Lewes rightfully markets its small downtown as unique and historic, one of the many reasons to spend time here. That limited space shouldn’t be dominated by real estate offices.
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