In what may be the most over-discussed, over-counciled, over-committeed, and over-publicized project that ultimately went nowhere in Columbia history, renovating the Heibel-March Store is back on the drawing board -- again.
Ten years ago, City Hall purchased the historic corner store from the Hinshaw family to demolish it and make way for Field Park at the corner of Rangeline Ave. and Wilkes Blvd. Local neighbors battled to save it, and in 2002, city councilmembers deeded the nearly 90-year-old structure -- sans land -- to Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA). After several failed efforts to renovate the store, CMCA is deeding it back to the city.
In a Request for Proposals presented to the city council Oct. 27, parks and recreation department director Mike Hood proposes selling the building "for a nominal fee" to a developer who can tackle some $250,000.00 in estimated renovation work. The city would retain the land beneath the building in a no-cost lease, approximately the same arrangement provided to CMCA.
Interested parties can review a preliminary plan at:
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Bills/2008/nov3bills/ReportC.pdf
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