The Place for Progress Clear Lake experiences economic boom in recent years
by Ashley Weiss
2021 was a historic year in Clear Lake. Not only did the city celebrate the opening of its first hotel and conference center in more than two decades, but it also constructed a state-of-the-art wellness center in partnership with the school district, welcomed seven new retail businesses and restaurants downtown and laid the foundation for future developments, all while grappling with the lingering challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
Traffic has been good and so good on some occasions that he’s sold out of freshly popped kettle corn. “It’s been a good fit,” Andersen said about his three-year-old business that got its start at the Clear Lake Farmers Market in the Surf Ballroom & Museum parking lot. “It’s total pros and no cons. This is our home.” Chris’ Kettle Corn is among more than 10 new businesses that have made downtown Clear Lake home since the onset of the pandemic.
“It is truly an exciting time for Clear Lake. The explosive growth in both new and existing businesses is cause for celebration with many more economic development projects in the works,” said Stacy Doughan, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.
In 2020, despite the absence of large-scale events, at least four businesses opened, expanded or relocated on, or near, Main Avenue, including Gyro Place, The Basic Birder, Simply Nourished and Brin & Lew. (Read more about our retail businesses and restaurants on pages 8-10 and pages 14-15).
The beautiful backdrop of the 3,684-acre lake and the return of signature events, like Thursdays on Main and the July 4th Celebration, drew record numbers to Clear Lake to enjoy an array of food, retail and entertainment offerings.
The businesses have added more value to an already vibrant downtown and have bolstered the city’s efforts to attract more people to live, work and visit Clear Lake.
At the onset of Clear Lake’s tourism season, Skip’s Kicks, a locally owned shoe store, opened on Main Avenue, followed by True North Nutrition, Chris’ Kettle Corn, Cancun by the Lake, White Barn Picket Fence, Nash & Ivy and Charlie’s Soda Fountain. Clear Lake’s downtown is convenient for visitors as restaurants and retailers are within walking distance of the lake, which the city and community organizations have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to preserve over the years. Chris Andersen, owner of Chris’ Kettle Corn, a gourmet popcorn and candy shop, relocated his business to Clear Lake last summer because of the guaranteed foot traffic in a tourist community.
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In fact, this year marks the first time in decades that the city’s Main Avenue has no vacant storefronts — a milestone contrary to many communities of similar size. “This positive economic momentum is the result of many Clear Lakers who strongly believe in this community and are very supportive of our businesses, organizations, events and local school,” said Clear Lake Mayor Nelson Crabb. “Clear Lake is a place individuals and families want to be.” In recent years, the city, led by veteran city administrator Scott Flory, has invested in infrastructure, public safety, technology and much-needed amenities to position itself for prosperity and future growth. Such investments have resulted in projects like the Courtway Park Development east of Interstate 35 and north of Highway 122, the Emerald Edge Subdivision
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