Regan Johnson talks about downtown's past, present and future

Downtown business owner Regan Wallace Johnson, center, spoke to Rotary Club of Mineral Wells on Wednesday, telling how she came to own property and businesses in the heart of the city's business center.

Johnson is a partner with Perri Leavelle in The Bistro, which is celebrating its seventh year, and The Lofts Hospitality. John also owns the space adjacent to The Bistro, which she remodeled. The history of the building and downtown is on signs attached to the front of the building for passersby to read.

The Bistro is adding an outdoor patio, which they have nicknamed "The Hole in the Wall Grill" that will feature chairs, swings and entertainment along with food and drinks.

Johnson urged people who care about the city and downtown to get acquainted and involved with Envision Mineral Wells and the ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown. That effort's next step is the creation of a downtown overlay district that will provide some mechanisms for redevelopment and reinvestment.

Johnson is pictured with club President Jimmy Walker and program chair Nancy Cameron.

Rotary Club of Mineral Wells meets every Wednesday at noon at Holiday Hills Country Club for lunch, fellowship, updates on club projects and a program of interest.