JIM LAKE COMPANIES

Jim Lake Companies will forever be associated with the extraordinary urban renewal of the Bishop Arts District. In the early 30's the area known as The Bishop Arts District was the city's busiest trolley stop. However, the discontinuation of the trolley and the demographic changes took a big toll on the area in the 1960's and 70's. At the beginning of 1985, Jim Lake Sr. and Mike Morgan began buying and redeveloping properties at this once vibrant trolley stop. When asked of Jim Lake Sr.'s decision to buy the run-down properties he replied, "I just thought it needed saving."

Lake and Morgan approached the redevelopment of the district with several principals in mind; to preserve the historic nature of the area, to maintain a unique mix of occupants and to have it serve the needs of the community. Over the last 20 years a collection of home décor stores, clothing boutiques, artists and eclectic restaurants have been busy turning the District into one of the city's hottest places to see and be seen.