The downtown of Celebration a neotraditional town

The downtown of Celebration a neotraditional town in Osceola County, Florida, is still going through some growing pains. Although many of the businesses — particularly restaurants — have been successful, about a half dozen have failed, the Associated Press reports. Currently, 4 of the 24 storefronts are empty, according to the article. The Celebration Company has leases pending on two of the four storefronts. Part of the problem is that the town center is off the beaten path, and the town still does not have enough residents (2,000 to 2,500), to support significant retail. Disney, owner of the Celebration Company, has not promoted the town as a tourist destination. The opening of a new hotel, however, is expected to bring in more business, and the town continues to grow. “Evolution is natural in a start-up like this,” says Larry Stuart, owner of Wyland Galleries in Celebration.