Whenever there is an absence of reliable information, speculation escalates. Humans dislike change, hence seniors often worry and complain. But humankind also loves mystery, and loves to contemplate unknown possibilities. Such seems to be the case with The Villages developer’s expansion of the former Church on theSquare at Spanish Springs.
It was for many years a revered and beloved edifice with multiple purposes such as Sunday worship services of various denominations, affordable concerts and other tasteful entertainment. Now residents wonder, will Church on the Square ever be called Church on the Square again, or will it have some other impressive moniker containing the words performing and arts?
Will religious services ever again be welcomed at Spanish Springs Town Square? Nobody seems to know. How will the newly erected box-like structure blend functionally and aesthetically with the existing Spanish mission-style architecture? Again, no answers are forthcoming.
One thing many residents agree upon is the need for a larger performing arts venue, in or near The Villages, to accommodate the burgeoning area population — and perhaps to attract ‘bigger name’ stars of the entertainment world. Free nightly December shows were often filled with so many non-Villages residents on a first-come, first-served basis, few seats remained for Villagers to enjoy the holiday festivities.
Looking at the other products of the Morse development machine with respect and admiration, one holds high hopes the new structure will be both beautiful and a huge success. One can envision spacious dressing rooms for performers, state-of-the-art staging for shows, stadium seating for maximum visibility and adequate parking for ticketholders.
Meanwhile, isn’t it fun to watch the amazing construction? And isn’t it fun to predict possible conclusions to the mystery? Whoever knows isn’t telling!
