Vasilios Priskos is the principal broker and founder of InterNet Properties, Inc., which he established in 1994. As broker for One/Main Plaza downtown, he’s a know-it-all when it comes to downtown real estate, LDS Vaticanization and everything in between.
nnWhat was Main Street like when you used to flip burgers at a local joint?
nnThe Royal Eatery and small businesses like it are the heart blood of a downtown. Back then we had the Strut, Fred’s Burger Chalet, Bob’s Magazines, the original Manhattan Club and the Mission. Today we have Cheers to You, House of Kabobs, AJ’s, and the not-so-original Manhattan Club. Yes, things have changed, they will continue to change, but small merchants will'and should'always be a part of Main Street.
nnHas the LDS Church given you a preview of downtown’s imminent Vaticanization?
nnI have given them a preview of my downtown'imagine all the Greek columns.
nnWhat’s up with the so-called 300 South entertainment district?
nnIt’s not an “entertainment district,” it’s the “hospitality district.” Broadway Street is a great example of the way development should happen, organically. We need to encourage more hospitality merchants to locate on or near this great street.
nnHow does the two-club rule on downtown blocks affect development?
nnIt’s the worst city ordinance on the books. It needs to change. Limit clubs where they are not wanted or appropriate and encourage clubs to congregate'perhaps in a hospitality area?
nnWhat’s your take on the New York family who bought the old coffee shop on Main for their new home?
nnForward thinking. The Weber family knows the real definition of mixed-use. This will continue to happen both on Main Street and downtown in general.