•From Residential To ACommercial Street
Have you driven along the popular Isaac John Street in Ikeja GRA, Lagos recently? Did you notice any change on that popular street? Lets tell you. Isaac John Street is one of the most popular Streets in Lagos. It used to be one of the most reserved and extremely quiet streets where the rich and famous lived, especially in the 70’s.
Last week, City People’s Isaac Abimbade took a tour of this long and busy street.
For those who really don’t know much about this popular Isaac John street, in Ikeja GRA, lets quickly tell you it is near Onigbongbo (Bus-stop in Maryland in Lagos) and it’s located within Ikeja, Government Reserved Area, (GRA) Lagos. This street has a length of 1.6 kilometres; it’s one lane and it used to be a residential area. What made the street so popular in Lagos, especially, was the State-House situated on the street before it was moved to Marina, during’s Tinubu era as Lagos State Governor. Also the advent of popular night clubs on that street, like the Metropark Club, is also another reason why the street is popular. Metro-Park Club is at 31, Isaac John Street. It’s one of the finest night clubs in Lagos. It used to be the destination for every happening guys and ladies.
The Place, is also another night club every fun lover wanted to be then.
We can not also forget Crystal Lounge, it is a place for relaxation, dance, drink, ceremony, play. Crystal Lounge, is located at 31, Isaac John, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.
Along this popular street, we also have over 2 hospitals that have been there for years serving their purpose. One of them is Reddington Hospital, an establishment with the primary focus to deliver excellent healthcare by constantly upgrading the medical facilities, using all the latest technology and qualified personel.
Another hospital that has also contributed to the popularity of the street is Eye Foundation Hospital, on 27, Isaac John Street, Ikeja-GRA. The core area of the hospital is: Fight against preventable blindness in Nigeria and West Africa. It has built partnerships with numerous organisations, various state governments and financial institution. It deals in cataract surgical services, laser cataract services, pediatric clinic and surgeries, Glancoma services, retina clinic, cornea and kerato refractive clinic, optical services and many other related eye ailments.
But recently, this popular and one of the longest streets in Lagos has witnessed a dramatic development of business activities.
Presently, Isaac John has become one of the hottest places for hotels, restaurants, eateries and many other related activities. If you drive through Leventis to Isaac John Street, Ikeja, the first building on your right is where First Bank and Chams offices are situated. And right after that is Adams and Eve; a popular place where celebrities and rich people buy homewares; it is a place to buy kitchen wares, furniture, electrical appliances, and many other home products.
Adjacent Adams and Eves is Ruff ‘n’ Tumble at No 7, it deals in children’s clothes from a toddler age to 16 year old child. The brand is one of the most patronised, not only on Isaac John Street but in Lagos. Ruff ‘n’ Tumble was founded by Adenike Ogunlesi in 1996. If you drive forward, the next place is the newly open supermarket, Prince Ebeano Supermarket, almost opposite Ruff ‘n’ Tumble. Prince Ebeano is a world class supermarket and Nigeria’s foremost indigenous supermarket with one-stop neighbourbood store catering to the daily needs of a wide range of clientele. Prince Ebeano supermarket in Ikeja GRA, is at 14 Isaac John Street and they have also added colour to the street. It is situated on about 1 acre of land. Beside it is Hubmart Store, it’s a newly opened complex for various home items. The CEO of Hubmart Store is Murat Bektaslar, she recently spoke to journalists at the recent Awoof promo draw. The draw is part of the ongoing Awoof Promotion and Hubmart Stores gave out prizes worth up to 3.5 million naira, free-shopping in addition to other instant and consolation prizes to its longer serving customers. The presence of Ebeano, Adams and Evas, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Prince Ebeano Supermarket are added advantage to the growth of this popular street.
Another restaurant that is worth talking about is Kobi’s (Always Fresh) Restaurant. It is a lovely restaurant where fresh foods are served, opposite Hubmart, it is a lovely restaurant. Jevinik Place is another lovely place; it’s a beautiful restaurant, an event centre, outdoor catering service provider.
Not far from Jevinik, we have a self imposing structure, Raddisson Blu (Primal Hotel). It’s a lovely structure, built on more than 1 acre of land. It’s a new hotel in Lagos, boasts 155 guestrooms, including 17 contemporary loft suites with First Class amenities to ensure a comfortable and productive stay for work or play.
We can also tell you that, Protea Hotel which used to share boundary with Raddisson Blu on Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA is now Raddisson Blu! So, presently the name Protea Hotel is non existent on the street. Raddisson Blu has taken over the building. One structure that is also visible is Zen Garden, at 60 Isaac John Street. Zen Garden is an exclusive restaurant for the Chinese, Asian and vegetarians. On this same street, we have Landmark House and The Place: a classy restaurant for the celebs.
On Isaac John Street, we have old English Superstores, they are into groceries, gift items, wine; it is also a place for bread and other bakery items.
Finally, Sweet Sensation building is currently under massive renovation and promises to come better when completed. On this street, we also have more than 3 branches of banks.
–Isaac Abimbade
08155107955
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