Developer proposes creation of 'fun factory'

P&Z advances entertainment venue for old shoe factory

The old International Shoe Company building sits on East Capitol Avenue.
The old International Shoe Company building sits on East Capitol Avenue.

After years of sitting vacant, the old International Shoe Company building may receive a facelift as soon as next year.

The Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a proposed preliminary Planned Unit Development plan to renovate the 87,000-square-foot old shoe factory, located at 1101 E. Capitol Ave., after several residents spoke in overwhelming support of the proposal.

Property owner DeLong Properties and applicant Raymond Latocki want to renovate the building into the "ISC Fun Factory," with the site using a mixture of residential and commercial use.

Their vision for the property, which is about 110 years old, would be implemented over three phases.

The first stage would involve renovating the first, fourth and fifth floors so they contain things such as a restaurant, a haunted house, mini bowling, indoor mini-golf, ax-throwing and apartments.

Renovations in the first phase - along with adding parking, signage, a stormwater basin, lighting, landscaping and street improvements - would begin in 2019, according to the plan.

During the second phase, they would renovate the second and third floors, which would contain escape rooms, laser tag, and office and event space. These renovations would begin in 2020, according to the plan.

The final phase would consist of mainly outdoor recreational facilities, like a seasonal event venue, outdoor mini-golf, a haunted walkway, a zip-line course and rental facilities. This development would begin between 2023-24, according to the plan.

Latocki said he wants to attract people to Jefferson City and provide a source of fun for all ages. He added he thought there was a need for this type of venue in the Capital City.

"When I came here first looking at the building, I couldn't really find any entertainment," said Latocki, who is a Portland, Oregon, resident. "I drove around all day and couldn't find anything here. I've been looking at this building for over three years, and it just screams, 'This would bring some huge fun,' not only to kids but to adults. That's what we want to do."

Residents at the meeting agreed, with many saying they thought this would energize the community. Some added this development would tie in nicely with the Missouri State Penitentiary redevelopment.

"Everybody on my street, when we got the letter that this proposal was going through, we were excited," said Spencer Hoogveld, a nearby resident. "We were excited to hear something fun and exciting and energetic is coming to the area."

Along with the PUD plan, DeLong Properties and Latocki requested rezoning 8.43 acres from M-1 Light Industrial to PUD Planned Unit Development, which the commission unanimously approved.

The Jefferson City Council will hear the proposal Jan. 22.

Nearly two years ago, the Springfield-based Vecino Group proposed building 75 apartments for low-income families. The project stalled after the Missouri Housing Development Commission decided against matching federal funds for the Missouri Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.