Lake Havasu - English Village area still run-down? (Parker: foreclosures, hotels)

[kdog]

Bullhead has a new shopping center? Are you talking about where Target is?

[ElizaTeal]

Originally Posted by kdog

Bullhead has a new shopping center? Are you talking about where Target is?

Yes. It is relatively new.

[ZonyPony]

Originally Posted by gordholio99

But then again, I don't live there. So I'm probably way off base. My apologies if I've come across like some know-it-all tourist.

Your commentary certainly doesn't come across like the proverbial "Ugly American" - or any worse than what certain other visitors, well-meaning tourists, and assorted passers-by may say when they come to Arizona. Its understandable that you'd like to see your particular vacationland/playland/etc be somewhat better.

Hey, we wish every corner of our state was where it needed to be. It would be ideal, for sure.

Only time will tell if Lake Havasu will do what it needs to do`to become what it needs to be.

[ichoptops]

Originally Posted by kdog

That was the intention of the new mall, was it not? Have you been to it yet?

Mall, well, I guess it is kindof a mall. Nothing like MetroCenter in Phx or Superstition Springs in Mesa.

Problem is "small town mentality". Most people I know in Havasu, if you ask them to go out to the mall, the words you hear are "all the way out there?". When the hub of the town is pretty central and then you move a bunch of stores 10 miles out of that hub, small town mentality takes over. My wife worked for Wally World last year (the super wally, not where it was) and even the managers that were from the old store were constantly talking about how bad an idea/move it was than the old location. Being from the valley, driving 10 miles to hit a store isn't even up for thought, you just go, but people that have been here for some time its like pulling teeth.

"I started this thread and feel I have to interject. Havasu is in a gorgeous spot."-------------- I agree. Walks along the riverwalk at night with everything lit up is still something we like to do. Ok, the bats under the bridge sometimes spook my wife,lol, but its still something we love.

Unfortunately to really do anything other than launch a boat or drink, you have to drive. Thats part of the problem. There are a couple antique stores, but more and bigger ones in both Kingman and BHC. Casinos,,, you can either go across the river to the indian one (which leaves a LOT to be desired), or you drive 90 minutes. Nascar/NHRA, drive to Phx or Vegas, nothing here. Even something as simple as getting upholstery supplies, when we were in Phx, we had several to choose from, here, we get to drive to Vegas.

Now don't get me wrong, its not all bad. There are a few good car shows. Some boat events. Fireworks show that is a week long. And a few small family fun things to do. Overall though, unless you are a bar fly or go out on a boat often, really not enough to keep you consistantly busy. Not even a strip club,lol.

To the OP, pointing out the problem in the village is easy, coming up with an answer isn't. If you have an idea for something that can turn a profit, feel free to share, I know many people scrambling for ideas. Last year a guy opened up a simple ice/soda/beer type store on the island side right under the bridge. Opened it up right before boating season, couldn't even make enough to stay open. That alone speaks VOLUMES. If you have only visited and not been involved with the comunity for any length of time here, there are a LOT of issues, that frankly I am not going to type that much. Havasu News is online, read the city articles and what people have to say about it as they allow comments.

Zonababe, you asked where we are moving to. Well, most of my sales are online, so for us it isn't as much about money (although that is some) as it is having things to do, access to stores, but living "small town". We are moving to the Golden Valley (we have 10 acres up there) area, so we are a short hop to do things, but getting away from city code compliance, plus at the same time dropping our expenses.

[CamaroGuy]

Well I really don't know where to begin. I first visited LHC back in 1995 and pretty much loved it. I thought the whole English village them was soo nice too. It reminded me of the Danish theme town of Solvang in California. I still do believe that can work in LHC. Naturally it will take time and investment to bring it to fruition.

It be nice to get the spring breakers back too. LHC still has great potential and hopefully in the coming years it will be a great comeback!

[ArizonaBear]

Note to ichoptops: while living in LHC 8 years ago I also noticed that mentality pertaining to a 'long' commute-----------never mind that the boobirds had no issue driving twice the distance in heavy traffic back home in SoCal.

Although in all fairness; once someone leaves SoCal (I was guilty of that as well) for a Mohave County town; the much slower pace of life tends to become comfortable hence disdain towards driving long distance for anything.

[vfrpilot]

Back in the '70's the London Bridge used to be #2 in tourists numbers in AZ, second only to the Grand Canyon. The village parking lot was almost always 3/4 full. There were 'Big Band' concerts on a monthly basis and always some community event going on there. The bridge had a constant flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic from tourists. I am not familiar with the politics, but it seems like once McCulloch pulled out it was all downhill.

When I first started going there ten years ago, I always thought it would become a mini Palm Springs, but with water. A vacation/snowbird haven in the winter and a water-lover's paradise in the summer. It does have the only lake in the midst of a parched desert.

IMHO, Havasu was a mini Palm Springs before the population exploded in the early '90's. I moved there in '73 and loved living there. I guess we didn't like the loss of a small town feeling as Havasu grew. I have many fond memories and still have friends living there, but never regret moving away. Seeing the English Village now only makes me feel sad. Does anyone remember the maze, constructed from oleander bushes?

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by vfrpilot

Back in the '70's the London Bridge used to be #2 in tourists numbers in AZ, second only to the Grand Canyon. The village parking lot was almost always 3/4 full. There were 'Big Band' concerts on a monthly basis and always some community event going on there. The bridge had a constant flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic from tourists. I am not familiar with the politics, but it seems like once McCulloch pulled out it was all downhill.

IMHO, Havasu was a mini Palm Springs before the population exploded in the early '90's. I moved there in '73 and loved living there. I guess we didn't like the loss of a small town feeling as Havasu grew. I have many fond memories and still have friends living there, but never regret moving away. Seeing the English Village now only makes me feel sad. Does anyone remember the maze, constructed from oleander bushes?

Tell me about it! The first time I saw LHC (1988-89 era); I was quite impressed with it outside of the summertime heat. Today............that town seems to have sold its soul to 'Satan' AKA party animals. Note; I am not religious per se.

Even the amenities were damn good factoring how far LHC was from major population centers or roads. Too; the people 20 years ago did impress me as being more 'educated/classier'. Note though that McCulloch did 'vet' prospective home buyers 40 years ago eliminating the riffraff.

[vfrpilot]

Note though that McCulloch did 'vet' prospective home buyers 40 years ago eliminating the riffraff.

Oh I don't know if they did a very good job. I knew a lot of 'riffraff', but because of the small population, everyone kinda knew each other and they couldn't get a whole lot of momentum, if you know what I mean.
After reading my previous post, I have officially become an old geezer whining about the good ole days.

[CamaroGuy]

Originally Posted by vfrpilot

After reading my previous post, I have officially become an old geezer whining about the good ole days.

Don't we all whine about the good ole days.lol