The former Smith's/Buy N Save building and the Sprouse-Reitz store in Lakeside Square may both be vacant, but Don Ormsby, businessman and City Council member, wants to make it clear that the shopping district - located in the heart of the city - is far from empty.
Ormsby, who owns the Baskin-Robbins ice cream store in Lakeside Square, believes recent media reports on unsuccessful efforts to rent the former Smith's building - the largest store in the square - might have given the public the impression there's nothing left there."I think the whole situation has been exaggerated," Ormsby said. "A lot of decisions by corporations and others have worked against it (Lakeside) . . . I think the place is on the mend."
Ormsby pointed out the following operating businesses in Lakeside Square: Lakeside Cinemas (two screens), Lakeside Bowling Lanes, Matt's Model and Hobby Shop, Hair Benders, Clearfield Tire and Auto, Asian Gifts and Food, the Weber State University Davis County Office, Clearfield Tire and Auto, Pier 3 (soon to be renamed "Charley Charley's"), Baskin-Robbins and a temporary Fred Meyer Garden Center.
In addition, there are a Pizza Hut, Galveston Seafood Company and a Golden Corral restaurant adjacent to the north side of the square.
Ormsby said some other businesses that recently closed in the area - Hardee's and Flying J - aren't actually on Lakeside Square property. The only two other businesses to close in the square were Zions Bank and the Beach Tone and Tan.
The former Smith's building contains 47,000-square feet of space and is the square's flagship structure, but Ormsby said there were opportunities in the past to lease out the big store and possibilities still exist.
"If they would remodel the center, they'd have tenants," he stressed. "But their philosophy is, when we have tenants, we'll remodel it . . . I think the landlord might need to work a little harder."
Ormsby said he understands Winegar's officials sought to take over the former Smith's building but were put off so long that a new grocery store on the south end of the city was under construction before an offer was finally made to Winegar's.
Anderson Lumber, Builder's Emporium and Pay 'N' Pak are just a few major businesses that Ormsby feels might like to take over the old Smith's building.
Clearfield is growing with new businesses near its borders, while the city center may be losing a few businesses, but Ormsby believes this is only a temporary trend.
"Downtown has great potential," he said. "As redevelopment continues and landlords cooperate, we have a lot to offer. Clearfield is a diamond in the rough."
Ormsby also feels that when other nearby cities, such as Layton, have to begin to restrict their rapid growth rate, Clearfield will gain many new businesses.