Construction of three new businesses and renovations at four other properties are underway in Poplar Bluff.
__New construction__
The site of the planned Shelby Road Medical Park had been waiting on a delivery of steel for construction to progress and that arrived recently, said building inspector Tony Chilton.
The two-story structure at 2651 Shelby Road will include an 11,000-square-foot first floor and an 8,000-square-foot second floor, according to documents on file with the city.
The property is owned by a group of doctors under the corporate name of Natria LLC.
They have indicated in documents previously presented to city council that a care facility and housing for medical professionals are also planned at the site. No permits have been filed for those additional buildings, which would also need a series of approvals from the city, such as for stormwater management.
Demolition is expected soon of a vacant house near the planned location of Watomi Sushi and Hibachi restaurant at 2970 Oak Grove Road.
The city has said the vacant property must be removed for construction of the 9,700-square-foot restaurant to proceed, due to safety concerns, Chilton explained. The area where the vacant structure is located will become part of the restaurant’s parking lot.
The property is owned by PB Warriors LLC.
Work is also planned for a third new building in the north section of town, near Shelter Insurance.
Building plans for a 7,150-square-foot building have been filed with the city for a new O’Reilly Auto Parts location. No permits have been filed for the location yet, but it is expected to be the public storefront for the company while its existing location at 591 N. Westwood Blvd., is maintained for commercial purposes.
__Renovations__
City documents have been filed for an $800,000 renovation of Rick’s 66 on Highway 53 as the location becomes a Casey’s General Store.
Another $100,000 remodel is planned for a storefront next to Dollar Tree at Valley Plaza, according to city documents. This will be a new, 5,000-square-foot location for Carter’s OshKosh, a retailer selling baby, toddler and children’s clothing.
No permits have been filed for the 4,241-square-foot retail space near Walmart Neighborhood Market on Oak Grove Road, but a Buckle clothing store has been announced for the location. The retailer sells women’s, men’s and children’s clothing.
Permits are also pending for renovations to the former Scotty’s Brewhouse, located at 3115 Oak Grove Road. The restaurant has been closed since 2019, but Big Whiskey has announced the franchise will open there. Renovations will include a large patio with a view of the Poplar Bluff Mules football field, a private dining room and upgraded fixtures and decor, according to the company. An agreement with the property owners, Mayson Capital Partners of Cape Girardeau, was announced in December. The restaurant is expected to employ about 75 people. It will serve steaks, pasta, burgers and other food.