Like a bounce house seemingly melting back to the ground after the air is sucked out, we were deflated to learn the old shoe factory apparently won't be converted into a "fun factory" for children and families.
As we reported Sunday, out-of-state business owner Raymond Latocki had been planning for close to a year to breathe life into the 115-year-old building, which would have held a restaurant and entertainment zones including a haunted house, mini-golf and escape rooms.
The idea of a "fun factory," we believe, has potential as a moneymaker. Columbia has businesses geared toward youth such as Bonkers and SkyZone. Both appear to do well. So did the Leap Frog Center, a former Holts Summit business with inflatables and ball pits.
Short of heading to Columbia, Jefferson City-area parents don't have such an option currently.
Fortunately, the building was bought by local business owners Holly and Nathan Stitt.
The Stitts don't yet have firm plans for the building. Whatever they do, it will be a challenge. The 87,000-square-foot structure has been vacant for decades, and likely will need extensive - and costly - renovations.
Holly Stitt has other east-side business ventures that will need her attention. She, along with business partner Quinten Rice, had operated Avenue HQ, a 3,000-square-foot rental venue, out of 621 E. Capitol Ave. before the May 22 tornado.
Earlier this month, it became the first tornado-damaged building on East Capitol Avenue to be demolished.
They vowed to rebuild on that site, returning it to its original glory. However, at this point, they're not sure when that will happen.
The two have shown commitment to not only their own business careers, but to the betterment of the near east side of Jefferson City.
Whatever happens, we believe their properties are in good hands and will serve them well in the future, as well as the overall city.
News Tribune