Published Tuesday, June 7, 2005
Grant to help fund downtown project
By Didi Tang
News-Leader
Ozark — The downtown revitalization project is about to take another step.The city, after getting the word that it has received a $100,000 community development block grant, is moving to beautify the second half of the square with new sidewalks, trees and street lamps.
And a property owner on the square has announced his plan to restore a 100-year-old building and bring upscale restaurants to Ozark.
"It's a pretty baby," said Ozark Mayor Donna McQuay.
It wasn't long ago when downtown Ozark was deserted, with crumbled sidewalks and dilapidated buildings.
In the late 1990s, a group of downtown property owners banded together, trying to rejuvenate the old commercial district. They mapped out a plan and sought help from the city, which could go after grants.
After private investors pledged $300,000 worth of renovation on downtown buildings, the city won a $300,000 grant for public improvements on the square's west side.
When the work was completed last summer, the downtown took on a new look, and more businesses had settled on the square.
By then, the city had decided to seek another grant — though it would be no more than $100,000 — to work on the square's east side.
The project will cost about $400,000, and the city plans to foot the rest of the bill from its coffers.
The news excited downtown business owners.
"It's great," said Phil Broyles, co-owner of a pizza shop on the square.
"After several years of waiting, it finally pays off," he said. "It's becoming a viable square."
Dennis and Dorothy Tate of Nixa said the downtown project is worthwhile.
"It helps a whole lot," said Dennis Tate.
Added Dorothy Tate: "It great. ... Money well spent."
City Administrator Collin Quigley said work could start in fall and be completed by spring 2006.
Meanwhile, Bill Macier, who owns a three-story building on the square's north side, said he is planning to restore the 100-year-old structure, including adding an elevator.
First, he is trying to place the building on the National Register of Historic Places, Macier said.
"It would be more appealing to do it for tax credits," said Macier, noting that he must comply with historic preservation rules to earn tax credits.
The restoration project, Macier said, is estimated at $1.2 million, and the building will be used for restaurants.
A Mexican restaurant is already on the ground floor, and Macier said he would add a Japanese steak house and a sushi bar on the second floor and a northern Italian restaurant and a sky bar on the third floor.
He also said the basement could be renovated into a wine cellar.
"We're really excited about it," Macier said.
So is McQuay.
"It's fantastic," she said. "It's pumping life into the city of Ozark, and we're just so proud of it."
Copyright © 2005, The Springfield News-Leader, a Gannett Company.
