A Jefferson City couple is taking full advantage of a property they bought near West School last fall.
The space, 1931 W. Main St., has been under significant construction since Charlie and Jessica Christiansen made the purchase in late September. They have been gearing up for several businesses to fill the space, and are just a few months away from making that dream a reality.
"We are excited and hope people are happy. We just really wanted to bring the space back to life," Jessica said, noting the new businesses will keep with the integrity of the community in which they reside.
Charlie will move his Shelter Insurance Agency into part of the building and share an entrance with Bohl & House CPA, which will also be moving into the space. The left side of the building will be home to a new eatery, West Main Pizza, to be opened by Charlie's father, Charlie Sr., who also owns A OK Sprinkler Systems here in Jefferson City. The pizza shop will be a new business venture, offering dine-in, carry-out, and delivery to the surrounding neighborhood. The menu will include pizza, fresh salads and six to eight flavors of Central Dairy ice cream. Jessica said the menu will eventually expand to include gluten free options and more of a variety.
The building is set so that the current drive through will function as a walk-up window. There will also be a patio on the side of the building for outdoor dining. The parking lot will be expanded to include the driveway that horse-shoes in the back. "The lot is actually a lot bigger than it looks," Jessica said. Plans submitted to the city to widen the drive and the lot on either side, will allow it to accommodate 25 cars.
A small area toward the back of the building will be utilized as refurbished furniture and antiques shop, to be run by the Christiansens and some of their family. "The Attic" will have limited hours and offer antiques and knick knacks, up-cycled items and light fixtures.
The couple is anxious to get started on each of these businesses as drywall and plumbing get completed in the coming weeks.
"We've had a lot of interest in the building," Jessica said. The decision to put in the restaurant and retail shop came based on what the new owners thought would be best suited for the neighborhood.
The Christiansens hope to have each of these businesses open and ready for customers near the end of June or early July. Plans for a grand opening are sure to follow.