I Wish This Was is a series of badly Photoshopped images that transform ignored, vacant lots and properties in Orlando into something the City Beautiful can be proud of.
Simonet Electric is a mom-and-pop shop in the Mills 50 District [GMap] that specializes in lamp sales and repair services. The shop is currently (sadly) closed until further notice due to an illness in the family.
We think the interior is so special, that we would hate to see it become another blow dry bar or nail salon, if the family chooses to sell it. We wish it could become something that honors its past by celebrating it, something like a lamp store craft cocktail lounge hybrid.
Hybrid shops are all the rage right now. Instagram-friendly Propagation is just across the street, where they specialize in mod furniture first and great coffee second. We propose keeping the existing merchandise and name, and simply add a craft cocktail bar/coffee shop service. Also, maybe some paper lanterns out front to add some “streetmosphere.”
The addition of another fun/trendy spot to Mills 50 on that block would most likely be very popular, and could be done under a catering license of any of the already existing bars in town like the Courtesy (Website) or Hanson’s Shoe Repair (Website).
We simply ask is that they keep the lamps and the name.
Editor’s Note: Simonet Electric first came on my radar when I helped Twelve21 Gallery’s visiting artist Kenji Nakayama do a sign installation behind the building. You can see the photos of that night HERE on TheDailyCity.com
