HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. (WCJB) – Two men in High Springs are renovating a century-old building to revive a historic soda shop, a major step in beautifying downtown.

The original soda shop was part of historic downtown High Springs in the early 1900s. The owners say they even revived one of the original shop’s soda fountains.

“This is a destination,” said High Springs spokesman Kevin Mangan. “High Springs is always a destination, we’ve always been a destination town and this is just another reason to come here. Whether you spend your day on the river or at the springs and then want to cool off and grab something from the soda shop or pizza next door, it’s a fantastic day in High Springs.”

Co-owner Brad Millett says they want to incorporate local bakers and other artisans who will offer baked goods and sweets in addition to their homemade ice cream. He says shops like this aren’t common anymore.

“There really aren’t many that have survived,” Millett said. “A lot of the old-fashioned soda fountains in the dispensaries have disappeared. People have bought these soda fountains out of the buildings and put them in their own bar or whatever. So we’ve found a few places around the country, but really no one in the area that’s doing what we’re trying to do.”

They plan to redesign the interior of the building in the style of the original 1920s buildings while adding new mosaic tile floors in the entryway and wood floors and ceilings throughout the dining area.

Owners John and Brad Millett will update on progress and eventual opening on their website.

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