By Rebecca Gleiberman
With the recent uptick in high rises and chain restaurants, South Main Station seeks to keep things local and bring a return to what makes Greater Gainesville special.
The lot that has become South Main Station is rich with history. Originally built as a cotton gin in 1882, the building burnt down in 1907. The property was later purchased by Baird Hardware Company due to its proximity to the train depot –– now known as Depot Park. The railroad ran along the side of the still-standing Baird Warehouse, where its tracks are still visible today.
Nearly 100 years after the cotton gin, the old Baird Warehouse was purchased by Hoch Shitama and became the home of his company Akira Wood, an architectural woodworking business that remains there to this day. With the vision of creating a public space for the community, the Shitama family considered the idea of reimagining the space. When Depot Park was developed, driving business toward the Southeast portion of town, the idea slowly became a reality.
“I’ve been interested in design for a long time, this idea of creating beautiful spaces. It’s something Akira has done for a long time. They have worked with world-class architects but mostly in other places because Gainesville is such a small town. So, I think our family sees this as an opportunity to really build something beautiful like that here, in our home space and in this community that is very dear to us and that we’re very connected to,” said Mariko Shitama, daughter of Hoch Shitama and director of development for South Main Station.
With restaurants that include Humble Wood Fire and Bingo Deli, as well as the Heartwood Soundstage for live music and events, and a weekly farmers market, South Main Station is set to become a local hot spot, with a vision to expand even more in the future.
“Our long-term vision for the space is to create a campus-like environment that is pedestrian-oriented, with retail and food and drink and lots of connected outdoor space where you can come and spend a couple hours or a whole day,” said Shitama.
A mixed-use space that will include retail and a food hall is the ultimate vision for South Main Station. Another upcoming addition to the space is Grand Scheme Brewing which owners Joe Simmons and Brett Ader will be opening in 2023 in between Bingo Deli and Humble Wood Fire.
“We are very excited for this next addition to South Main Station,” said Shitama.
With these newest plans in the works, South Main Station is evolving from not only a thriving hub of local business but a thriving community in itself.
Businesses and Events at South Main Station
- Heartwood Soundstage – Recording studio and music venue
- Akira Wood – Architectural woodworking
- Humble Wood Fire – Pizzeria location. Regular menu and espresso Wednesday – Sunday 11 AM – 9 PM and Brunch Friday–Sunday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Bingo Deli + Pub – Focused on local and seasonal cuisine. Open for dinner Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 5 – 9 PM; Wednesday 4 – 9 PM; and open for lunch and dinner Saturday and Sunday, 12 – 8 p.m.
- GNV Farmers’ Market – Live music, local farmers, bakers and crafters open Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- COMING SOON 2023: Grand Scheme Brewing