They're kitschy, eclectic, and they've started saying their goodbyes to one of Salt Lake's beloved liberal business enclaves.

In the past few weeks, merchants in the Sugar House shopping district near the corner of 2100 South and Highland Drive have received eviction notices, possibly to make way for more standard, upscale fare.

And though it's probable that not much can be done at this point to keep the neighborhood the way it is, there are lessons and alternatives and actions to consider, merchants and city officials said this week.

"Having received these eviction notices, the situation is becoming very real," said Salt Lake City Councilman Soren Simonsen, who lives in Sugar House. "I saw the writing on the wall 15 months ago when the rezoning went forward. My opinion now is that we kind of created this issue for many of these merchants, and maybe we ought to be a part of the solution."

The Salt Lake City Council voted in December 2005 to change zoning on the block bordered by 2100 South, Highland Drive, Sugarmont Drive and McClelland Street to allow for buildings between seven and eight stories. When Simonsen took his post on the council, he tried to revisit that decision, unsuccessfully.

The zoning change paved the way for proposals now coming forward from landowners in the area — including Craig Mecham Management and California-based Red Mountain Retail Group — that indicate redevelopment is on the way. Red Mountain's plans reportedly call for loft-style condominiums, and Simonsen said Mecham is considering a mix of residential, retail and office development on his property, which includes everything from the Blue Boutique to Zions Bank.

Repeated attempts by the Deseret Morning News to contact Red Mountain and Mecham were unsuccessful.

Sugar House Coffee owner Bob Evans was among the merchants served with a 180-day eviction notice.

"It's traumatic, but we're going to move on," Evans said. He said he will move his shop to another Sugar House location, though no leases have been signed.

Orion's Music owner Andy Fletcher said he's been through the relocating process before, when the 9th and 9th area of Salt Lake City was redeveloped, and doesn't think he has the energy to do it again. Fletcher is looking for a buyer for his business. He's set a tentative close date of May 1, though he adds that could be extended.

Both Evans and Fletcher, who share space at 1100 East, say that though it's regrettable the Sugar House neighborhood they love is changing, there are lessons to be learned.

"You know, if the patrons in this neighborhood had wanted it to remain the way it is, it would have happened," Evans said. "Obviously, that energy and that desire hasn't manifested itself. ... And if you look at it from the perspective of the landlord, if they were doing more business, if they were being supported, maybe this wouldn't have happened.