Columbia Business Times - April 2016

APRIL 2016 REAL ESTATE issue

Matt Beckett Berkshire Hathaway

Patriot Place Page 56

work zone

5 u p -a n d - co m i n g buildings Page 38

The Greenest House on Earth Page 50

Chris McCullough,

Sales Manager for GFI Digital

Jesse Yankee,

Easy PC

I always recommend GFI to all my business clients! They always provide the most reliable machines within any budget and have the best customer service of any printer company I have used.� Jessie Yankee, Easy PC

Jim Yankee,

Flat Branch Mortgage

Andrea Paul,

Senior Account Manager for GFI Digital;

GFI is not only our copier company, they are our partner.

Their team works hand in hand with our team to ensure we always have the right machine at the right price.�

Jim Yankee, Flat Branch Mortgage

TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE

DIGITAL

GFI can centralize and simplify the management of your print, copy, fax imaging and digital storage to help you communicate more effectively, improve workflow, and substantially reduce costs. Stay focused on what's most important... your business.

GFI DIGITAL | 2415 CARTER LANE SUITE 102, COLUMBIA, MO 65201 | WWW.GFIDIGITAL.COM | (573) 874-5600

LESS is

THEM.

.

573.443.1234

Moresource-Inc.com

Because you have better things to do.

US.

There Are “Vans”.

And Then There’s This.

The New 2016 Chrysler Town & Country

Kids. Critters. Cargo. Because you do it all, we bring you the everything mobile that does too. Chrysler Town & Country. More standard premium features than any other minivan. Like leather seats, power sliding doors, power lift gate, second-row fold in Stow n’ Go® seating and even a backup camera. Add in awesome entertainment for them, plus safety, security and simplicity for you, and you’re good to go. So really go. And smile on.

STARTING MSRP $29,995*

*See dealer for current offers and complete details.

Joe Machens Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 1310 Vandiver Drive, Columbia, MO 65202 (573) 474-9500 • joemachenschrysler.com

From the Editor

Editorial Erica Pefferman, Publisher Erica@BusinessTimesCompany.com Brenna McDermott, Editor Brenna@BusinessTimesCompany.com Matthew Patston, Assistant Editor Matt@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Passion is Contagious

DESIGN Jordan Watts, Editorial Designer Jordan@BusinessTimesCompany.com

›› “It’s not easy saving the world.”

Creative Services Keith Borgmeyer, Senior Editorial Designer Keith@BusinessTimesCompany.com Kate Morrow, Graphic Designer Kate@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Nick Peckham might not be Superman, but he is doing his part to make the world a better place through sustainable architecture (page 50). His home designs aren’t Jet-

MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES Deb Valvo, Marketing Consultant Deb@BusinessTimesCompany.com Janelle Wilbers Hayley, Marketing Consultant Janelle@BusinessTimesCompany.com Megan McKenna, Marketing Consultant Megan@BusinessTimesCompany.com John Anderson, Marketing Consultant John@BusinessTimesCompany.com Crystal Richardson, Digital Marketing Manager Crystal@BusinessTimesCompany.com Jessica Kaiser, Account Manager Jessica@BusinessTimesCompany.com

son-esque, nor are they hobbit holes. They’re simple, classic homes. Most of what makes them innovative, you can’t see with the naked eye.

I had the pleasure of learning about his self-proclaimed “greenest building on Earth,” and could feel his passion for saving the world as he toured me through his soon-to-be home.

It’s contagious, passion. Since our initial interview, I’ve been more thoughtful about what can and should be recycled, conserving water when I’m doing the dishes and

Photo by Anthony Jinson

washing as many clothes as possible in one load. I probably won’t be collecting rainwater anytime soon, but Nick’s passion did make me more aware of my environmental footprint.

It was a great reminder to me what passion can do to impact our lives, our businesses and our community. It drives us to get up in the morning, it creates buy-in with our coworkers and employees. It revives us when we’re discouraged, makes us get back up when we fail, and drives us to push further than we thought possible.

It’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job – I get to experience the passions of thriving businesses and successful people in our community every day. That’s why representing the business community is our passion!

You’ll find passion all throughout the real estate issue. From the countless people who worked together to make Patriot Place a reality (page 56), to builders who want to grow the city (page 38), to those who care for our aging community (page 45).

And we promise to keep working passionately to bring you the people, places and things you need to know to be successful in the Columbia business world, both in print and online, at ColumbiaBusinessTimes.com.

Do you know someone who should be featured in CBT? Is there a business issue happening in our community that you want to read about? Please share your thoughts and ideas with us.

You can email me or tweet us @ColumbiaBiz.

Thanks for reading,

Brenna McDermott, Editor brenna@businesstimescompany.com

Matt Beckett is a super nice guy. I think that’s why I love this cover so much – it shows an intensity, a focus that people might not usually see from him. Photographer Anthony Jinson brought the dramatic lighting and Editorial Designer Jordan Watts perfectly crafted the blueprint background. I’m proud of the teamwork that went into this cover shoot.

Photo by Anthony Jinson.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Anthony Jinson, Ben Meldrum CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Beth Bramstedt, Al Germond, Zach Lloyd, Mike Matthes, Brenna McDermott, Chris Nyenhuis, Matt Patston, Monica Pitts, Tony Richards, Jason Smallheer, Jennifer Truesdale Interns Marilyn Haigh, Caroline Harding, Sean Nelson, Alisiana Peters, Brooke Skiles, Sierra Stewart, Amber Taylor MANAGEMENT Erica Pefferman, President Erica@BusinessTimesCompany.com Renea Sapp, Vice President of Finance ReneaS@BusinessTimesCompany.com Amy Ferrari, Operations Manager Amy@BusinessTimesCompany.com Jamie Patterson, Digital Services Director Jamie@BusinessTimesCompany.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscription rate is $19.95 for 12 issues for 1 year or $34.95 for 24 issues for 2 years.

To place an order or to inform us of an address change, log on to ColumbiaBusinessTimes.com.

The Columbia Business Times is published every month

by The Business Times Co., 2001 Corporate Place, Suite 100, Columbia, MO 65202.

Copyright The Business Times Co., 2008.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

APRIL 2016 REAL ESTATE ISSUE

MATT BECKETT Berkshire Hathaway

PATRIOT PLACE PAGE 50

WORK ZONE

5 U P -A N D - CO M I N G BUILDINGS PAGE 38

THE GREENEST HOUSE ON EARTH PAGE 56

OUR MISSION STATEMENT The Columbia Business Times and ColumbiaBusinessTimes.com strives to be Columbia’s leading source for timely and comprehensive news coverage of the local business community. This publication is dedicated to being the most relevant and useful vehicle for the exchange of information and ideas among Columbia’s business professionals.

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 17

THE FIRST AND ONLY BIOJOINT CENTER

IN THE NATION FIND OUT IF BIOJOINT IS RIGHT FOR YOU. Visit MIZZOUBIOJOINT.COM or call (573) 884-3077

Developed by

JAMES COOK, DVM, PHD JAMES STANNARD, MD

MISSOURI ORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE IS THE PROUD SPONSOR OF THE UNITED WAY 365 PROGRAM

“$365 covers the cost of running criminal background checks on potential mentors for 14 children living in adversity.”

- HEATHER DIMITT-FLETCHER Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri

THANK YOU TO TWO UNITED WAY 365 MEMBERS

Jim & Lisa Meyer Brokers MeyerWorks LLC Meyerworks.com 573.234-4473

MeyerWorks, LLC is a locally owned & organically grown boutique real estate firm focusing on knock your socks off service to residential buyer & seller clients with proven analytic processes and marketing strategy. Our combined formal education (BBA, BA, MBA) as well as our industry specific certifications have helped us continue to improve our client experience and to grow professionally.

Cale Kliethermes Owner Kliethermes Homes & Remodeling Kliethermes.com 573.446-2222

Kliethermes Homes & Remodeling is a family owned design/build company serving Mid Missouri since 1976.

We specialize in the design/build process, which is a unique process that offers creative solutions for kitchen, bathroom, entertaining areas, outdoor living spaces or additional space for a growing family. From the beginning we work with our clients to build a Tradition of Trust.

We are with you every step of the way.

To become a member of the United Way 365 program for only a dollar a day call Patricia Broeckling 573.443.4523 18 \\\ APRIL 2016

about the last times What's happening online Tony Richards @tonyrichards4 My latest article in this month’s CBT! #CEO #leadership #smallbiz

Around the office The Business Times Company is growing!

Welcome new Marketing Consultants Megan McKenna and John Anderson! Say hello the next time you see them out and about.

Chris Nyenhuis @Cnyenhuis RT @ColumbiaBiz: #Healthcare tech is growing. Learn how @CoMo measures, with @Cnyenhuis, bit.ly/1Q6ZvRI Rachael Barrett @RachaelRBarrett How to leverage online #marketing for your next #event ow.ly/ YKnbJ via @ColumbiaBiz #mk845 Erica Pefferman @epeff Really cool to see our brand hanging in the places we like to do biz w/too! Thanks @Kaldis_Coffee! @ColumbiaBiz

Congratulations to The Business Times Company president Erica Pefferman. Erica was named one of three finalists for the 2016 ATHENA Young Professional Award through Women’s Network. Way to go, Peff!

The Loop @TheLoopCoMo The El Don was just one of the many historic motor hotels that once dotted The Loop. Thanks @ColumbiaBiz for the #TBT! 43Tc @FortyThreeTc Have you ever wondered what the #cloud is? Check out our article in @ColumbiaBiz ow.ly/Z472j

We ran into Mike Kelly, cover model for the March hospitality issue, at the Chamber’s Business Showcase. Thanks for representing CBT!

The District @the_district Our fearless leader ♥ #itsgoodtobehere #itsgreattoworkhere

Write to CBT editor Brenna McDermott at Brenna@BusinessTimesCompany.com columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 19

20 \\\ APRIL 2016

April 2016

Vol. 22, Issue 10 columbiabusinesstimes.com

Departments

›› real estate Issue

17 From the Editor

38

19 Letters to the Editor 23 Movers and Shakers 24 Briefly in the News 27 A Closer Look 28 Business Update 33 P.Y.S.K. 37 Opinion 66 Nonprofit Spotlight 68 Celebrations 71 Marketing 73 Startups 75 Org Health 77 City 80 Business Licenses 81 Deeds of Trust 82 Economic Index 83 By the Numbers

Up and Coming

88 9 Questions

Check out five major building projects in different stages of development in Columbia.

45

50

90 Flashback

56

62

Caring for the Aging

Green Living

Patriot Place

The retirement industry

Architect Nick Peckham is

How businesses

Building with Diligence

booms in Columbia to care

building the first passive

collaborated to create

Columbia Housing

for an aging population

house in Missouri. Just don't

Patriot Place, housing for

Authority’s plan to rebuild

coming home.

imagine a space-age building.

veterans in need.

public housing.

22 \\\ APRIL 2016

Movers and Shakers

›› Professionals grow, serve and achieve ›› Central Bank of Kristen Moore

Miranda Schuster

Joe Class

Kevin Brown

Sam Fleury

Rachelle Bauer

Nick Shapiro

Nicci garmon

Boone County

CBBC named Kristen Moore manager of the Columbia Mall Bank.

Moore has been working in financial services with the company since 2008. Krisy Seidl was promoted to assistant branch manager at the Keene Financial Center. Jamie Canzoneri was promoted to consumer banking representative. Sarah Stevens and Carol Smith, in the customer service center, were promoted to senior customer service representative and customer service representative II, respectively. Kim Blanton, who works in the bank’s loan operations department, was promoted to senior loan processor. Morgan Johnston, at the West Broadway Bank, was promoted to senior teller. Nick Kyle and Kimberly Roberts, at the Lake of the Woods Bank; Matt Osburn, at the Downtown Bank; and Kaitlyn Lapsley, at the Rock Bridge Bank, were promoted to teller II. Justina Dial, Tanner Dodson, Sandy Jonas, Sarah Moreau and Josh Begley were named branch managers and consumer banking officers. Stacia Gerrish and Tori Messenger were named mortgage loan officers.

›› Miranda Schuster Caledon Virtual announced the hire of graphic designer Miranda Schuster. She joins after two years of experience in graphic design and studio management in Columbia.

›› Williams–Keepers LLC

›› Sam Fleury

Joe Class, CPA, has joined the member group. He currently serves as the treasurer of the board of directors for True North of Columbia. Jeremy E. Morris, CPA, has also joined the member group; he is the current treasurer of the Jefferson City Concert Association. Laura Cutler joined as a tax senior II in the Columbia office. She provides tax services to business and individual clients. Sally Dollar joined as an audit associate in the Columbia office.

Sam Fleury has been promoted to associate director of public relations at Columbia College. He will support the functions of public relations, including community relations, strategic communication and legislative relations. He will coordinate media relations efforts and promote the college’s brand at all campus locations.

›› Columbia Public

Schools

Columbia Public Schools has recommended three individuals to fill vacancies within the school district: Dr. Kevin Brown, as assistant superintendent of secondary education; Brian Kurz, as the chief human resource officer; and Michelle Flores-Holz, as the 2016-2017 principal at Alpha Hart Lewis Elementary School.

›› MU Health Care Jonathan W. Curtright has been named chief operating officer of MU Health Care. He will be responsible for all MU Health Care acute and ambulatory care operations as well as professional and support services. His job duties include achieving shortand long-term clinical, operational, financial, growth and human performance goals.

›› Rachelle Bauer Extra Help Inc., one of the region’s largest woman-owned business enterprise suppliers, appointed Bauer as chief operating officer. Bauer will be responsible for overseeing, developing, and setting the strategic direction for the company’s newest division in professional and IT staffing.

›› Nick Shapiro Nick Shapiro has joined Commerce Bank as a business banking relationship manager. He is responsible for business development and relationship management related to the bank’s full line of banking, borrowing and treasury management solutions for commercial clients. He has 30 years of experience in finance.

›› Nicci Garmon Nicci Garmon has joined Columbia Real Estate as a realtor. Garmon also owns Rock Chick Productions, a radio production company, and she hosts a show on 96.7 KCMQ Monday through Saturday. CBT

➜ Are you or your employees making waves in the Columbia business community? Send us your news at Editor@BusinessTimesCompany.com columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 23

briefly in the news

›› A rundown of this month’s top headlines

Water and Light shines bright for students Columbia Water and Light won an award from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance for educating more than 4,200 Columbia students about energy efficient practices. Every year, the MEEA gives the Inspiring Energy

New DMV branch On March 2, the Department of Revenue announced that a second license office will open in Columbia. The location has not yet been announced. The new office will relieve Columbia’s current DMV branch of traffic, as the current office has the highest amount of transactions in Missouri. O’Fallon-based Elle Management LLC will manage the new facility. That company was chosen by the Department of Revenue after a competitive bidding process.

Efficiency Award to an organization that promotes energy efficiency in the Midwest.

Columbia Water and

UM Credit Outlook Lowered

Light was recognized for its creativity in asking students to create advertisements and art promoting energy-conscious ways of living.

COLUMBIA Cost of Living In 2015, the cost of living in Columbia was 4.7 percent below the national average, according to the ACCRA Cost of Living Index. Columbia’s composite index figure was 95.3, which means $100 worth of goods purchased in an average American city would only cost $95.30 in Columbia. Health care and utilities in Columbia matched up with the average, balanced by low costs of housing and transportation.

24 \\\ APRIL 2016

Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s downgraded its outlook on the UM System from stable to negative.

The credit rating itself is generally lowered following a lowered outlook. If the outlook is lowered, then the UM credit rating would go from AA+ to AA. In a report, S&P analysts said changes in senior management and campus events including protests may affect enrollment, which could “pressure the rating.”

CIS raises funds Columbia Independent Schools donated four cows, two water buffalo, four goats, two llamas, two sheep, one alpaca, one pig, barn fowl and honeybees to families in need — just by reading. CIS won Heifer International’s Make a Difference Award through the Read to Feed program, in which students get sponsors to donate funds for every page the student reads. The students raised $4,610 by reading, and their gift was matched, totaling a $9,220 donation. Heifer International sends livestock and agricultural animals to families in developing areas.

Cardio-Oncology Clinic Opens MU Health Care opened a cardio-oncology clinic at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, the first of its kind in central Missouri. The new clinic will provide care to patients with heart and cancer-related health problems. Dr. Rachel Littrell, a cardiologist, is the head of the center. She says treating cardiovascular disease is becoming more important as survival rates for many cancers increase. The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Thursday.

Black Men Rock Awards Columbia College and nonprofit Youth Empowerment Zone hosted the third annual Black Men Rock awards ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of seven African-American men in Columbia.

The event, held Feb. 6 at Columbia College, is organized by YEZ to show young people role models from their own community. Kavita Moss, operations director at YEZ, says people with mentors are more likely to succeed because they can learn practical information about reaching their goals. YEZ collected nominations from the community in December. Clyde Ruffin, first ward city councilman, received the Man of Faith Award, and Lloyd Henry, State Farm insurance agent, won the Entrepreneur Award. columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 25

26 \\\ APRIL 2016

a closer look

›› A quick look at emerging companies

1. Artisan Builders

3. Living Dirt Food Company

5. McCallum Place

Artisan Builders, located at 1120 Northshore Drive, specializes in the unordinary. “We are working hard to develop projects with small business owners who are passionate about creating spaces that generate a unique experience for clients,” says owner Sean McCollegan. Artisan Builders hopes to use their successful experiences in St. Louis and the Illinois-metro markets to develop high-quality, custom commercial builds and client relationships at their new location in Columbia. The company’s hours are flexible to suit their clients’ needs as they strive to understand their goals.

Contact: Sean McCollegan, 573-356-2600 Website: artisancomo.com

This food education and coaching company believes every person has the ability to manage their health. Food education is where it begins.

Founder Abigail Branum has seven years of experience in cooking and restaurants.

They offer food coaching, consultations and customized meal plans for terms from two weeks to one month for dietary restrictions including vegan, vegetarian, paleo, Whole-30 and glutenfree. They offer one-on-one home cooking classes to learn the basics; they also offer group classes, called “Wild Edibles,” where clients learn to identify and gather wild, edible plants.

Contact: Abigal Branum, 636-388-6368 Website: livingdirtfoodcompany.com

McCallum Place Eating Disorder Centers are located in St. Louis, Kansas City and, now, Columbia. McCallum Place is a comprehensive eating disorder treatment center for adolescents and adults. They offer on-site medical and psychiatric management and care, and also individualized psychotherapy. The facility is an alternate to traditional hospital settings. They treat anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, emotional eating and compulsive eating disorders. The center is located at 3125 Wingate Court. Beth G. Shoyer is the Columbia clinic director and has a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from MU. Contact: 573-256-0100 Website: mccallumplace.com

2. Royal Motors One of Columbia’s newest used car dealerships, Royal Motors prides themselves on their capacity to stand by their vehicles 100 percent.

Royal Motors is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We hope to become one of the number one used car dealers in Columbia by offering guaranteed credit approval to customers that otherwise might be marginalized by the standard finance requirements,” says Operations Manager Ansur Adams. Located at 2201 Rangeline St., the dealership plans to have a grand opening celebration late this spring.

Contact: Amber Marie Jennings, 573-442-1800 Website: royalmotorsllc.com

1

4. The Atelier The Atelier is a children’s creative studio that offers music and art classes for children five months to five years old. Their mission is to bring the joy of art and music to children and to support learning through creative experiences. The Atelier is owned by Kara and Benjamin Hook. Kara has a master’s degree in art education from MU, and Benjamin is a multi-instrumentalist and voice specialist. The studio is located at 1609 Chapel Hill Road, Suite E. The curriculum focuses on development in five areas: social–emotional, cognitive, language, physical and sensory.

Contact: Kara and Benjamin Hook, 573-445-2747 Website: theatelierstudio.com

6. Columbia’s Epoch Escapes Columbia’s Epoch Escapes offers a fun group activity: guests try to escape rooms by solving riddles and puzzles in 60 minutes.

This is Columbia’s first “escape room” business. They offer events for families, sports teams, bachelor parties and corporate teambuilding. Clients can book in groups or as individuals and may be paired with other groups. The cost is $25 per person and the game lasts 60 minutes.

Contact: 573-239-9066 Website: columbiasepochescapes.com CBT

6

2

5

3 4

➜ Are you an entrepreneur? Are you sprouting a new business? Tell us about it at Editor@BusinessTimesCompany.com columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 27

Janna Gates, Justin Starr, Naomi Starr Photo by Ben Meldrum 28 \\\ APRIL 2016

business update

›› Transformed, trending and up-to-the-minute

➜ 3401 W Broadway Business Park Ct #101 573-447-2414

Bookends of Broadway

Starr Properties expands with second commercial development.

By Marilyn Haigh | Photos by Ben Meldrum From their office on West Broadway, three of Starr Properties’ leaders joke that, in May, they will have both ends of Broadway covered. They’re opening their second commercial development, Old Hawthorne Plaza, on East Broadway.

Their first commercial development, the 90,000-square-foot Broadfield Center on West Broadway, hosts the likes of Shakespeare’s Pizza, the Callaway Bank and State Farm Insurance, as well as the Starr Properties office. Now, Starr Properties, run by Justin Starr and Janna Gates, who are brother and sister, and their cousin, Naomi Starr, is bringing commercial options to the other end of the street.

“Right now we’ve got the bookends of Broadway,” Justin says.

Starr Properties has been growing steadily in the Columbia market since Russell Starr started the company out of his basement 30 years ago. He kept the books and found tenants while his wife, Jeannie, did customer service and maintenance.

The business became a profitable second source of income for the family. Russell still comes in on nights and weekdays and will work at Starr Properties full time when he retires from his position as the CFO of Veterans United Home Loans.

"That community is growing rapidly... things are definitely moving east."

- Justin Starr

Starr Properties is opening its second commercial development, Old Hawthorne Plaza, on East Broadway.

Starr Properties started, in 1984, with residential family properties. Since then, the company has expanded what it offers to Columbia. In 2001, they bought the ground for the Broadfield Center.

Five years ago, Starr Properties opened its only student housing complex, The Pointe at Rock Quarry Park. Last year, they added a construction business under the company name. This May, Starr Properties will open Old Hawthorne Plaza, a commercial location with office and retail space.

The Other Side of Town Starr Properties is filling a big hole in the quicklygrowing community of Old Hawthorne. The upscale community on the eastern edge of town has housing developments, a golf course and schools nearby, but it doesn’t have a commercial space to tie the community together. In May, Old Hawthorne Plaza will meet new residents’ needs as Columbia grows.

“That community is growing rapidly,” Justin says. “Old Hawthorne is a huge development and

a lot of homes have gone up there in the last couple of years … Things are definitely moving east.”

Old Hawthorne Plaza is going up on the corner of Rolling Hills Road and East Broadway (where it becomes Highway WW). Starr Properties bought the 12-acre plot in 2007, but the sluggish economy kept them from building, Justin says. The next year, they put roads and utilities into the space. Finally, in October 2015, Starr Properties broke ground and began construction on the first building, which is 6,000 square feet, with Coil Construction.

The company isn’t ready to disclose the names of new tenants but has received zoning approval for a convenience store and a bank on the property. They are looking for more tenants for the space, which will continue to grow on the 12-acre plot.

“With commercial businesses, I often tell them that we’re like business partners,” Justin says.

“We have a vested interest in their business being successful, so we want to do what we can to help columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 29

them out…We look for [commercial tenants] that are well-run. Owners that are engaged and involved typically do very well.”

Cindy Zhou, a tenant in the Broadfield Center, worked closely with Starr Properties to design the perfect space when opening her business, Body Refinery Gym, in 2015. She picked the Broadfield Center for the gym because she lives nearby. She decided to call Starr Properties after seeing one of their signs, and she became a tenant after meeting the Starr Properties team.

“It’s just a lot easier and more convenient to work with them compared to working with other commercial management,” she says. “They are family-owned and local, so you know their reputation and you can ask around.”

Zhou has also used Starr Properties’ in-house construction company, which is a relatively new addition. Starr Properties established Starr Construction as a new division of the company, and Justin started All Star Plumbing, which Starr Properties uses for service. Being able to provide plumbing and construction services in-house is faster, more cost-effective and ensures high-quality service for tenants.

Starr Construction remodels commercial spaces when new tenants move in and want to make changes. They’re also building single homes from the ground up, to be rented by Starr Properties. Justin owns All Star Plumbing, which is used for The Pointe at Rock Quarry Park’s plumbing 30 \\\ APRIL 2016

needs, but gets the majority of its business outside of Starr Properties. The Starrs' family friend, plumber Rob McDowell, provides the services.

“As we grow, it’s a vertical integration thing, and we believe we’ll ultimately be able to do more for less and become more efficient going forward,” Justin says.

Family Style As Starr Properties adds more square feet to their business every year, the Starr family is growing too. The key to the longevity of Starr Properties’ success in real estate is treating tenants like part of the family, Janna says.

“If they’re locked out of their house on a Saturday, go let them in,” she says. “If they text you at nine o’clock at night with a question, answer the question.”

Through word-of-mouth and relationships with institutions in Columbia, residential turnaround is fast. The company has built relationships with MU and hospitals in Columbia to help visiting scholars and professionals find housing.

While these leases will be relatively short — only about two or three years — they know that providing good customer service to short-term tenants will pay off with referrals.

“We have a group that will almost re-rent places for us,” Justin says. “They have someone coming in and someone going out. They’ll just make the change and let us know, ‘this person is

leaving and this person is coming in, and I hope that’s okay.’”

Starr Properties also focuses on longer leases for the residential side of their business. They own about 50 residential properties they rent to families, working professionals and retired couples. There are 60 student residential units in The Pointe at Rock Quarry Park. One tenant stayed with Starr Properties for over 15 years.

“If you treat them like family and you treat them how you want to be treated, then I think they want to stick around,” Justin says.

Joel Denney, who has rented a home in Columbia from Starr Properties for over four years, says he felt like family as soon as he got in touch with Janna to look for a property. He travels often, and he says the Starr Properties employees are always willing to stop by his home to make sure he remembered to lock up.

Recently, he arrived home from a long trip and realized he had forgotten his house key.

“I sent Janna a text, and it was the dinner hour, it was 6:30,” Denney says. “Janna has little ones at home, and she came over in 15 minutes to let me into the house. I’m saying to her things like, ‘You know, I fully expect that you’re going to send me a bill for a hundred dollars or something for your time.’ And she said ‘No, no, no.’

That’s the kind of stuff that I remember. They really are good people.” CBT

JUST OFF THE BEATEN PATH you’ll find our wide variety of Perennials, Annuals, Tropicals, Vegetables, Flowering Hanging Baskets, Decorative & Native plants!

NURTURING BEAUTIFUL PLANTS AND PEOPLE.

Giving Gardens A Retail Greenhouse

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

MAY 7TH

Join us for the Special Olympics Fundraiser Selling Hot Dogs & Soda Come Join the Fun! Visit us on the web for a complete list of plants as well as information about our agency at

cmsegivinggardens.com 573-442-6935 • 4040 S. Bearfield Rd., Columbia

Giving Gardens is a retail greenhouse owned and operated by CMSE – every purchase made supports our mission to employ adults with developmental disabilities.

Take Grindstone Pkwy to Bearfield Rd., Go south 1/2 mile on Bearfield (Just past the Cottages) Follow us at CMSE and Giving Gardens on Facebook

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Mon - Sat 8:30am - 6pm | Sunday 11am - 5pm

LET US CONNECT YOU WITH NEW COLUMBIA BUSINESS OWNERS! We are the experts in delivering a welcome gift to new business owners on behalf of our members. We are your first impression.

“

COMO Connection Exchange is an invaluable asset to the success of any new business.

Jennifer and Cara introduced me to the business community, saving me weeks of research and vetting. COMO Connection Exchange is essential to my business for quality connections and relationships.”

Melanie Dixon

Franchise Owner, Columbia, MO 573-489-8999 | www.2b-organized.com

COMO Connection Exchange | www.connection-exchange.com |

como

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 31

Travis Tucker, Owner

Meet Travis Tucker, owner of bleu Restaurant & Catering. Travis recently obtained an SBA loan from The Bank of Missouri to buy out his longtime partners and refinance debt, giving him the cash flow to expand his growing business.

An SBA loan from The Bank of Missouri is one of the best financing options for small and growing businesses. An SBA loan can help you finance an entire business, equipment and fixtures, business real estate and much more.

32 \\\ APRIL 2016

Karen Brown A P R I L 2 0 1 6 • P Y SK • P e r s o n y o u s h o u l d k n o w

P r e s i d e n t | B o o n e - C e n t ral Ti t l e C o m pa n y | A G E : 6 0 Job description: Whatever it takes to make BCT and BCT’s employees successful.

Years lived in Columbia/mid-Missouri: My whole life, minus one year.

Original hometown: Columbia, Missouri.

Education: Hickman High School and MU. Favorite volunteer/community activity: I have been involved with the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors for many years. It is such a pleasure to take a part in the opening of new businesses, the celebrating of established businesses and the successes of our colleges and universities, as well as our local nonprofits.

I also enjoy community involvement through Metro Rotary.

Professional background: I started in the title business as a part-time employee while I was in college. I guess it stuck with me. I have gone from delivery girl to president.

A favorite recent project: The title industry works closely with lenders to make sure real estate transactions (sales and refinances) are handled efficiently and according to federal and state regulations. New regulations — TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosures — regarding closing disclosures went into effect October 3, 2015, and it has been an exciting time working with our lender and realtor partners to make sure the changes have caused the least amount of confusion and delay for our clients (buyers, borrowers and sellers).

A Columbia businessperson I admire and why: There are so many. Betty Quisenberry Photos by Ben Meldrum

was my first boss, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her guidance and support. columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 33

""It's not what you know, it's who you know. That is especially true of the people that work with you.""

The next challenge facing my industry: The

Why I’m passionate about my job:

If I weren’t doing this for a living, I would:

Purchasing real estate is one of the biggest investments people make in their lives, and the title industry is here to make sure people can do so with confidence that it is being done right.

Work part-time in a bookstore and tend my (fantasy) homes in Colorado and Florida (and Columbia, of course).

Why I’m passionate about my company: I

not what you know, it’s who you know. That is especially true of the people that work with you. Boone-Central Title has the best staff in the world and would not have had its successes without the incredible group of people who work here.

am passionate about our employees. They are bright, professional people who care about our customers and are doing the best possible job of making a real estate transaction as painless as possible.

Greatest strength: Flexibility, but I don’t mean physically.

Greatest weakness: Dark chocolate.

What I do for fun: Traveling with my family, hiking in the woods, and reading a great book.

Family: Husband, Jim Bolli; son, Aaron Bolli; cats, Gibby and KC.

Favorite place in Columbia: Our land near Rocheport, and Booches.

Biggest lesson learned in business: It’s

What people should know about this profession: Searching, examining, closing

title and settlement industry will be looking at more and more technical advances. One of the goals of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is to have most, if not all, loan closings done electronically. The current dynamic of a real estate transaction (the parties sitting at the closing table, signing documents) will shift dramatically, and we need to be ready for it.

My next professional goal: Keeping up with technology — it’s that “old dog, new tricks” thing.

How you would like to impact the Columbia community: Columbia is such a wonderful

and insuring a land title is a very technical and detailed process. It is not just a matter of “pushing a button.” Although technology has certainly streamlined the process, we still need to be able to read a legal description and determine what matters do and do not affect the title to a particular piece of property.

place to live, but there are many conflicts between growth and the preservation of our past and our “small town” feel. This is an issue that has gone on for many years, and greater minds than mine have tried to resolve it. But I think there has to be a good compromise, and I would like to be a part of that (short of running for office).

Accomplishment I’m most proud of: My son,

Most people don’t know that I: Spent a year

of course. He is currently studying architecture abroad in Barcelona, Spain.

in Aspen, Colorado after college. I call it my “year on Fantasy Island.” CBT

➜ P Y SK : k ar e n br o w n • pr e s i d e n t • b o o n e - c e n t ral t i t l e c o m pa n y • A G E : 6 0 34 \\\ APRIL 2016

Food & Wine Tour

of Tuscany

TRUSTED ADVISOR. INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS. ENHANCING SUCCESS.

There IS a better way to manage your IT. From providing complete IT services to creating new computing options, our goal is to provide effective IT solutions to your business.

 Increase Operational efficiency  Reduce operating costs

Join us for an authentic Italian experience!

 Minimize downtime  24/7 monitoring support

Explore Renaissance Florence, tour a sustainable winery and take in the deeply rooted Italian culture during a warm summer week in Western Italy. Don’t worry about a thing - we’ll take care of your first-class lodging in Florence as well as most of your meals.

Who said traveling had to be complicated?

Only 30 seats left!

June 19-25, 2016 | $2800 ($450 single supplement, excludes airfare)

Book your trip by April 1st and see what we have planned:

CafnrAlumni.com/ItalyTrip2016

A portion of the costs go into a scholarship fund for Mizzou Hospitality Management students.

Presented by

2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Small Business Award Winner

2015 Columbia Business Times “Top IT Company”

Call Today.

Call today. 573.499.6928 573.499.6928 MidwestComputech.com MidwestComputech.com

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 35

Office Retail Restaurant

OLD HAWTHORNE PLAZA

C OMING S PRING 2016

573-447-2414 | office@starrproperties.com

SPRING STYLE EVENT

BE ENERGY EFFICIENT AND LOOK GOOD DOING IT.

GET A REBATE UP TO $250 w ith you r en erg y ef fec ien t w in d ow cover in g s .

Call Courtney Stoddard for your complimentary consultation and measurements. 573-819-4020 | cstoddard@budgetblinds.com <*Applies to selected Signature Series® window treatments by Budget Blinds®. Purchases of $1,000 or more qualify for a rebate of $100, and purchases of $2,500 or more qualify for a rebate of $250. Some restrictions may apply. Ask for details. Not valid with any other offers, discounts, or coupons. Valid for a limited time only. Offer good at initial time of estimate only. At participating franchises only.> ©2016 Budget Blinds, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, LLC. and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Franchise opportunities available.

36 \\\ APRIL 2016

Roundtable › Al Germond

It's Not Over Yet That an untenured assistant professor of communications can cause the University of Missouri so much grief remains the centerpiece of the ongoing drama at Old Mizzou that just won't go away. On our last visit, we boldly suggested returning this contentious educator to the classroom while allowing her case to pass through the accepted channels of administrative discourse and procedural steps at MU. Al Germond is the host of the Acknowledging threats of possiColumbia Business Times ble investigation and censure of the Sunday Morning Roundtable University of Missouri by the Amerat 8:15 a.m. Sundays on KFRU. ican Association of University ProHe can be reached at fessors, we cautioned against tanalgermond@ gling with this anointed group of overbusinesstimescompany.com seers because censure could harm MU in retention of existing academic staff, as well as in recruitment and replacement within the professorate in the future. While hardly placating the statewide mob that wanted her sacked, we figured the university would at least remain in good standing amongst its peer group of research-oriented institutions and, not incidentally, the prestigious but unrelated American Association of Universities.

Isn't it wonderful how video technology and the Internet have become the twin gifts of communication that keep on giving, long after the muscular confrontation on November 9 began its slow fade off the world stage? Many of us were ready to accept her apologies, and the plea bargain with the law, until another even more damaging video lit up screens worldwide. This was the sequence where she screamed the F-bomb at a duly constituted member of the Columbia Police Department at the Ninth Street and University Avenue intersection during the homecoming parade on October 10.

A hearty thank-you-very-much to Columbia Police Chief Ken Burton for equipping the members of his force with body cameras in what turns out to be a pioneering effort in this area. There was that face again, wildly flailing and weirdly distorted by the optics of a wide-angle lens, that

should dispel any notion of ever allowing this person back on our campus after her rough, uncalled-for moments were recorded and released for posterity a few weeks ago.

A budding professor of communications, you say. Is there not a scintilla of dignity in speech and public behavior left anymore? You could imagine remarks uttered in some family settings across Missouri about the coarse, uncivil behavior of a person presumably vetted to provide a dignified educational setting for our children, both in the classroom and in public. You could almost hear mothers and fathers out somewhere in the state saying, "If that was my daughter, I would have slapped her."

Be gone, we say, to this budding assistant professor of communications. And bring it on, we also say, to the AAUP, in what may turn out to be a mercifully short gestation period that, sometime later this year, could send MU to the academic woodshed for a while. A three-person investigative team of Ph.D.-caliber academics will have come and gone by the time you read this, and the solons of this august agency of elites are expected to release their findings within a few months, perhaps allowing the university some room for negotiation and arbitration on the way.

Some of us remember April 24, 1973, when the AAUP dropped the censure bomb almost three years after two Mizzou professors — Drs. Daryl J. Hobbs (1934-2014) and Bill Wickersham — were involved in protest activities both in and outside Jesse Hall between May 13 and 18, 1970, after the May 4 shootings at Kent State University in Ohio. Their case, and the delayed AAUP censure, was a reflection of the arrogant, ham-handed response to their non-violent confrontation with MU Chancellor John W. Schwada (1919-1990) and Dean of Students Jack Matthews (1905-1993) that was exacerbated by the subsequent punitive response by the Board of Curators, which docked their pay.

But this time, things are different.

Just go away, Ms. Click. Just go away.

Count on MU being bloodied by a majority of parochially-motivated legislators in Jefferson City who long for redistribution of some of the goodies we have long cherished here. This begs the unthinkable idea, to some, of creating an expanded, geographically balanced University of Missouri System, patterned along the lines of multi-campus systems in New York and California. There would be pain, of course. But wouldn't this be a great time to stifle all the foolish quarreling between the regions of the state? Let's grow up and create an asset that would make all Missourians proud of their state university system. CBT

Count on MU being bloodied by a majority of parochiallymotivated legislators in Jefferson City who long for redistribution of some of the goodies we have long cherished here.

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 37

work

in PROGRESS

By Zach Lloyd | Photos by Ben Meldrum

38 \\\ april APRIL 2016

Corner of 9th and Elm

Shakespeare’s Mixed-Use Building Destroying and rebuilding a tradition is a very delicate process — a process that Columbia’s Trittenbach Development began last June, when it demolished the historic Gordon Building, at the corner of Ninth and Elm Streets downtown, wiping the home of Shakespeare’s Pizza temporarily off the map. Even though the development company promised to rebuild the locally beloved pizzeria even bigger and better than before, the property’s evolution has still been a major change to the face of downtown Columbia.

The former one-story, green-bricked pizza shop is in the process of becoming a six-story, mixed-use retail, apartment and office building. McAlester Park LLC, a joint venture owned by the Odle and Rader families, is currently rebuilding the property into a red-brick and stone complex they hope will help the city transition from the MU campus to the downtown business district. The two main goals for this project were: one, follow Columbia’s Community Involvement District (CID) guidelines to make a building that bridges the gap between college and business, and two, make sure Shakespeare’s Pizza isn’t gone from its original location for more than one football season.

“Our number one priority with this development was ensuring that Shakespeare’s

would remain in its iconic Ninth and Elm location for decades to come,” says Jack Cardetti, spokesman for McAlester Park LLC and Trittenbach Development. “Downtown Columbia and the Mizzou campus wouldn’t be the same without Shakespeare’s, so we’ve done something that’s quite frankly very rare in development.”

The owners signed Shakespeare’s Pizza for a 50-year lease to the new first-floor retail space. Cardetti says every effort has been made to ensure that the look and feel of the new restaurant is as similar to the original as possible, including the old pizza ovens and interior decorations. The new Shakespeare’s space will be 30 percent larger, and it will have two outdoor patios instead of one. Two new retail spaces flanking the restaurant, fronting Elm Street and Ninth Street respectively, are also being added to the first floor, though Cardetti says no decisions on occupants have been made yet.

The new building’s second floor will contain some office space, and the third through sixth floors will hold roughly 50 apartments — between 195 and 200 beds total.

The voluntary CID guidelines the developers followed outline some optional design styles for new buildings in the downtown dis-

trict. Cardetti says he thinks the exterior of the new Brookside-style, red-brick and stone apartments, retail and office space will combine multiple elements of Columbia’s business district and MU to create a pleasing architectural hybrid that will sit well with the locals.

The project is currently on schedule to be completed in August, just in time for postgame pizza season.

Purpose Mixed-use retail, office and apartment space Size Six-stories. First floor Shakespeare’s Pizza and two other retail businesses, Second floor offices, 50 apartments on higher floors Dates August 2016 completion columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 39

Turner Ave. near Fourth Street and Fifth Street

American Campus Communities U Centre Nestled snugly into a 3.8-acre pocket of land surrounded by MU campus and Providence Road, two new student housing buildings are being constructed from the underground up by Texas housing company American Campus Communities. Set on the former site of a few student rental properties, the ACC U Centre is on its way to becoming

Purpose Student housing apartments Size Five-story apartments with five-story garage.

3.8 acres, over 700 residents Dates August 2017 completion 40 \\\ APRIL 2016

one of the downtown area’s most pedestrian friendly housing complexes — and one of the most expensive new developments in the downtown area, as far as public infrastructure is concerned.

Chuck Carrol, vice president of development for ACC, says the U Centre consists of a five-story secure parking garage for residents, which is wrapped and hidden from street-view by a terraced, five-story apartment building, which will house just over 700 residents — 700 more residents that would be contributing to an already overloaded downtown sewer line.

“There are some utility challenges the downtown area has been struggling with over the past few years,” Carrol says. “In order for us to move the project forward, we worked with the city and were able to commit $350,000 to the improvements of the sewer lines at Providence, what the city refers to as the Flat Branch line.” ACC is also constructing a new public-use, 8-inch line that will run from Conley Avenue through the project site, then down Turner Avenue and south onto Fifth Street.

In addition to the infrastructure installations, the five-story complex will have a 12,000-foot community center; a courtyard; an outdoor grilling area; a resort-style swimming pool; and fitness, gaming and social rooms. Carroll says the U Centre will be similar to other ACC communities in town, like Grindstone Canyon and the Cottages of Columbia, in that the plan is to develop a sense of community engagement among its residents. He also believes the location of the center is prime real estate for any students looking to live within walking distance to campus and the downtown area.

“The kids can walk to classes, they can walk to Booches and grab a burger, they can hit downtown or head over to the MKT Trail right across the street,” Carroll says. “It really helps alleviate some of the transportation issues that a lot of college towns find themselves dealing with too.”

The ACC U-Centre is currently scheduled to open its doors to residents in August 2017, just in time for school. The company says it will release its rental rates for the new complex this summer.

227 S 6th St & 501 E. Elm St.

Bengal’s/Casablanca Apartment Complex Another apartment project helmed by the Odle family’s Trittenbach Development is hoping to bridge multiple gaps between the MU campus and the downtown area. The apartment project planned for the edge of Peace Park sits in a border location between the city and school, just like its cousin, the new Shakespeare’s building. Two lots, near Flat Branch Creek, that used to be home to Bengal’s Bar and Casablanca Mediterranean Grill have been claimed in the name of luxury student housing.

While the new building’s designs are still far from finalized, Trittenbach Development spokesman Jack Cardetti says the project would end up housing anywhere from 350 to 700 beds and will feature a mix of one-, twoand three-bedroom apartments. Trittenbach has also been playing with the idea of in-structure parking for the new building, though again, no designs have been confirmed.

“This is another location that’s a transition and a gateway between campus and downtown, and that’s what made the spot so appealing,” Cardetti says.

But there was one other reason that made the site so attractive to the Columbia-based development company. In 2013, a development firm out of New York had discussed building a 24-story, luxury apartment highrise on the property, complete with underground parking and a rooftop pool.

“We thought that was, frankly, inappropriate for Columbia,” Cardetti says. “We felt we could do a better job with that property, and we believe that as Columbia grows up and the buildings start getting a little taller, there ought to be a transition to that.”

Trittenbach is hopeful that their new complex will be just that. Since the project is still in the design phase, it’s unknown exactly how many stories the apartment building will end up being. However, if the complex is acting as a bridge between campus architecture and the surrounding two and three-story buildings, it’s probably safe to assume it won’t be 24 floors tall.

Trittenbach’s plan is to own and operate the property for many years to come, which Cardetti says allows the company to address

local concerns more appropriately than outof-town developers. Trittenbach is still weeks — maybe even months — away from making any final decisions on the project’s designs, and there are no current projections for when construction on the building might start.

Purpose Student housing apartments Size Height undetermined.

Between 350 and 700 beds. 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments Dates No projected timeline at this point columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 41

811 E. Walnut St.

Bleu Patio Professional Building When Matt Beckett watched a crew in January drilling structural borings around the Bleu Restaurant’s patio, he felt elated. It might be hard to imagine someone feeling anything close to joy while watching soil samples being dug, but to Beckett, it was the first sign of his baby growing up.

Beckett and his business partner (Dave Baugher, who co-owns the Business Times

Purpose Mixed-use professional and retail space Size Five stories with retail space in basement and rooftop deck Dates Construction completed within 12-13 months 42 \\\ APRIL 2016

Co.) purchased the patio lot in May 2015 with the intent of developing the space into a fivestory, mixed-use office and retail complex.

Now, ground was literally being broken on the project.

Beckett says he envisions the new building to be a great place for attorneys and professionals working around the Boone County courthouse to set up shop. The five-story structure will have retail space in the basement and on the ground floor, then four floors of office and professional space as well as 3,000 square feet of enclosed rooftop, with an adjoining open-air deck.

“We’re proud of the way we’re going to build this thing because it’s a different kind of construction compared to some of the other projects going on downtown,” Beckett says.

“It’s not a stick-frame apartment building made out of wood — it’s going to be steel and concrete built and engineered in a way that will be nicer, more durable, and the aesthetics of the building will fit in well with the surrounding area, especially the courthouse.”

The basement level will have elevator access to the rest of the building and will have

an entrance on the north side of the lot, onto Courthouse Plaza. Beckett thinks the spot would be an ideal location for a coffee shop, but he’s open to other ideas. He also says the rooftop deck and enclosed space would make a great bar/lounge spot, similar to The Roof at The Broadway hotel.

“The roof could be an element of the main floor tenant, if it’s a higher-end type restaurant who wants to use the rooftop as a lounge area,” Beckett says. “Or it could be somebody that operates completely independently.”

Simon Oswald Architecture is currently finalizing the building designs, at which point the project will be shopped out to general contractors for development. Beckett says he hopes to complete construction within the next 13-14 months, and the Bleu Patio will remain open until the project starts next May or June.

“My partner and I are from this town,” Beckett says, “and we’re proud of what we do.

We love Columbia, and we want to do something that’s good for this community … We’re certainly aware of what an impact it could have, and we want it to pay homage to the epicenter of city and county government.”

Discovery Ridge Research Park

Northwest Medical Isotopes Production Facility A 55,000-square-foot campus for the production of the radioactive isotope molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) is slated to be built at the Discovery Ridge Research Park, a few miles south of the MU campus. Oregon-based Northwest Medical Isotopes, or NWMI, picked Columbia as the site for its new interstate isotope production center because of its central location and proximity to the MU Research Reactor.

“Molybdenum-99 is used 40,000 to 50,000 times per day in the United States for diagnostic procedures, predominately around cardiac evaluation,” explained NWMI co-founder and CEO Nick Fowler. The new building “is a very high technology facility, and its intent is to separate critical isotopes from a potpourri of compounds.” Fowler projects the new plant will produce around 5 liters of Mo-99 a week, which will account for half of the country’s supply of the isotope.

The building itself will be a three-leveled structure, with a smaller accompanying administrative center. Fowler was cautious to detail the internal layout of the production facility, though he did say the construction costs would be in the $50 million range.

The new NWMI facility will have a very

close relationship with the university, as it will be long-term leasing UM System land and working with the research reactor for its supply of irradiated materials needed to create Mo-99. The radioisotope production plant will also be staffed with workers from within the university, and NWMI will hire its workforce from participants in MU’s radiochemistry, pharmacology and nuclear engineering programs. Fowler says around 75 to 85 local jobs will be created once the plant is up and running.

Because the isotope production process is so complex, the facility’s construction requires a builder with technical expertise and a familiarity with this type of project. Certain requirements, like the shielding of production and storage areas inside the plant, require specialized knowledge, and Fowler says there are multiple developers in the Midwest that NWMI is currently considering to handle the project.

Situated right in the heartland with on-hand access to the university reactor, Columbia stood out as the top choice for Fowler’s new central location. “Isotopes, by their nature, are perishable — they have a half-life,” Fowler says. “Our isotope has

a particularly short half-life of 66 hours.”

Because the project has an understandably large amount of regulatory oversight, the facility is still in the application process with multiple federal agencies. Though he doesn’t know exactly when the applications will go through, Fowler hopes to be breaking ground on the site within a year. CBT

Purpose Molybdenum-99 production facility Size Three-story production plant with administrative annex. 55,000 squarefoot complex Dates Hope to begin construction within a year

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 43

Retirement communities expand to meet the needs of a growing senior population.

By beth bramstedt photos by anthony jinson

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 45

Outside, it’s a blustery, dreary February day, the wind whipping and snow falling. The stark weather is unwelcoming, beckoning me indoors to seek refuge from the brisk air and plummeting temperatures. The indoors do not disappoint. Walking through the front doors of The Terrace Retirement Community, on Business Loop 70 West, I experience vaulted ceilings, skylights, handsome woodwork and the bustling pace of residents enjoying a late breakfast in the new bistro. Construction workers mingle about, making progress on the renovation of the main dining room.

Although I’m decades younger than the average resident, I feel comfortable, welcome, at home. Marketing Director Ginny Edgar ushers me into a large, well-lit common area, complete with comfortable furniture, a grand piano and tables to play games. There, I meet Paul R. Johnson and John W. Green, two members of Columbia’s fast-growing senior population, who are catching up on the latest news while waiting for the Terrace Singers rehearsal to begin.

According to the 2013 Missouri Senior Report, there are now more people age 65 and older living in Missouri than at any time in our state’s history. By the year 2030, seniors are expected to make up almost a quarter of our state’s population. In Boone County, the percentage of the population aged 65 and older is expected to double from 9.4 percent in 2008 to 18.7 percent in 2030.

Columbia continues to gain recognition as one of the nation’s best places to retire. Last August, Kiplinger’s listed Columbia in its top 10 retirement cities, alongside cities like Charlotte, Sarasota, Santa Fe and Portland.

Being proactive about meeting the needs of retirees, like Johnson and Green, is the main reason new retirement communities are springing up all over town.

Tried and True The Terrace has been in business for more than 28 years and is locally managed by Sugar Creek Realty. They specialize in independent living and now have 178 total units. Coil Construction put the final touches on their 48 newest apartments earlier this spring.

The retirement community is currently home to 122 residents and has one-third of the new units rented. In addition to the fresh living space, the Terrace sports a new 3,400-squarefoot bistro and pub as well as a newly remodeled kitchen and dining room.

46 \\\ APRIL 2016

“We were staying pretty full, and as baby boomers age, there will be a bigger need,” Edgar says. She believes location is a big determination in where seniors choose to live, and Columbia has a lot going for it.

“Many residents of The Terrace went to school in Columbia, have children living here, or have fond memories of Columbia and chose to return,” Edgar says. “It’s a diverse town and a great place to retire.”

The Terrace’s new three-story addition is 43,200 square feet and will feature three apartment sizes. Residents can choose from studios; one-bedroom, one-bath units; or two-bedroom, two-bath apartments. Square footage ranges from 444 to 937, depending on the number of rooms, and monthly rental costs for single occupancy vary from $1,911 to $3,528 and include meals, electricity, cable, Wi-Fi and a variety of other services.

“It is a total shift for long-time homeowners to rent an apartment,” Edgar says. “It’s an especially difficult move if you’re sentimental and have a home full of memories.”

Johnson, now 92, says moving out of his house was one of the hardest yet easiest decisions he’s ever had to make.

Johnson moved to Columbia from Colorado Springs eight years ago and into the Terrace last June. What sold him on giving up his condo was the food and finding a partner to play Cribbage with. “I think Ginny set me up when she invited me for lunch,” he says with a chuckle and a

tug on his suspenders. Johnson says he’s been treated very well, and he loves the atmosphere and the opportunity to sing each week.

Edgar believes moving is a critical transition to make. “Many seniors age too quickly when they’re not being socialized, especially if they’re not driving,” she says. “Life can become isolating and depressing.” Edgar believes that independent living communities are a great solution — a place for seniors like Johnson to enjoy their life without having to worry about the responsibility of owning and maintaining a home.

Coming Soon Americare Senior Living also finds itself developing more space for seniors in Columbia. The April opening of Mill Creek Village, on Southampton Drive, will mark their fourth campus in town and will feature three of the company’s four product lines.

The Village will include 30 assisted living units, 16 memory care units and 16 independent living cottages. The project totals $10 million and over 50,000 square feet. Cottage residents can choose from one-bedroom triplexes, two-bedroom duplexes, or two-bedroom patio homes. Square footage ranges from 598 to 1,720 per unit and rentals vary from $2,400 to $4,400 per month.

“Columbia is booming,” shares Pat Cokingtin, senior vice president of marketing. “It’s vibrant.

People are drawn back here.” The Mill Creek project has been on the radar for about three

years. Cokingtin says, “We’re consistently at 95 to 100 percent occupancy in our other current communities, so we were looking to expand.”

Americare is a privately owned, family-operated senior care provider based in Sikeston, Missouri. They have been in business since 1981 and serve five states. They joined the Columbia community in 1996 with Bluff Creek Terrace.

They added TigerPlace in 2004 and the Colony Pointe campus in 2012, with several expansions to the campuses in between.

Cokingtin says the company is glad to be building in Columbia again. “Missouri is where we started, and senior housing is all we do.”

Cokingtin says while they could build larger, their buildings are intimate and welcoming, usually limited to 30 units. “We’re basically in rural America,” she says. “Then we brought our small footprint to Columbia, and it was received well.”

In February, Americare had five of the cottages reserved and were engaged with 40 families about the assisted living units. The campus will employ 40 people and have an annual payroll of $850,000 and an annual operating budget of $2,200,000.

New Kid on the Block Provision Living is one of Columbia’s newest retirement communities. The St. Louis-based company of the same name operates 35 senior communities in 11 states, including a projected 11 communities in Missouri by the end of 2016.

The company purchased its 13-acre site on Chapel Hill Road in October of 2013 and broke

ground on the three-floor, 93,000-square-foot, $20 million-plus project soon after.

The facility opened in October of 2015 and includes 63 assisted living apartments and 34 memory care units. The Chapel Hill location is the first in Columbia for Provision Living, and thanks to a city ordinance passed in 2011, it’s also the town’s first retirement community built in a residentially zoned area.

“Our mission is to be the best place a senior has ever lived,” says Andrew Kennard, senior vice president. Continues executive director Kim Fanning, “We provide assisted living with discreet services. We want people to be as comfortable here as they are in their own homes.”

Assisted living residents can choose from three models: studios, one-bedroom or twobedroom units. Members of the memory care units live in secure neighborhoods of studio apartments designed to encourage engagement in social activities outside their rooms.

Assisted living units range from 394 to 794 square feet and cost between $4,400 and $5,700 per month for single occupancy. Memory care services run $6,000 per person monthly.

The facility includes high ceilings, wide hallways, a theater, a library, a restaurant-style dining room, a 900-square-foot salon–spa, therapy services and many common living spaces. “It’s beautiful physically,” Kennard says, “but it’s turning into a beautiful community at the soul level, too, as people bring themselves into it.”

Fanning describes Provision Living as a community that’s alive. “It’s all resident-directed care. We’re there to facilitate their independence,” she says. The community is currently one-third full, and she expects to be at 90 to 95 percent capacity in the next nine to 12 months.

Kennard and Fanning both believe that there doesn’t have to be an event or a crisis that moves people into a senior living facility like Provision. “People need a purpose, a community, a connection,” Fanning says.

Fanning is one of two master’s-level nurses on staff, and she’s particularly proud of their memory care community. Her team strives to bring love, comfort and happiness to their residents living with any one of 70 different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. Her education, 33-year nursing background and experience with seniors help her be covertly clinical when meeting and working with residents.

“We want our community to age in place and enjoy living their life,” Fanning says. Safety is what moves many memory care residents out of their home, so the design of the facility allows residents

DEFINING RETIREMENT When looking for the right solution for you or someone you love, how can you tell the difference between the options available?

Here are a few definitions to help.

Independent Living – These facilities are designed for those who are able to live without help, but who also want freedom from maintaining their current home and have the desire to live with people of the same age and similar interests.

Assisted Living – Assisted living communities are developed for those whose medical, memory or aging issues reduce their ability to safely stay in their own home. These residents may still want personal privacy and autonomy, but they need some assistance and care available around the clock. According to the Assisted Living Federation of America, assisted living is defined as “a long-term care option that combines housing, support services and health care, as needed.”

Memory Care - Although assisted living communities may have memory care units on the premises, the two types of care are not synonymous.

Memory care is a distinct form of longterm skilled nursing that specifically caters to patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Memory care units usually provide 24-hour supervised care within a separate wing or floor of a residential facility.

Skilled Nursing – These facilities are dedicated to meeting the health needs of residents that require skilled medical professionals, like doctors and nurses, providing services and care on a daily basis.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities - Continuing care retirement communities are facilities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing, offering residents a continuum of care. A resident can spend the rest of their life in a CCRC, moving between levels of care as needed. columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 47

to explore freely while having subtle safety and security measures in place.

“University towns are a great place to be,” Kennard says. “The development team looked at the demographics and the timing was right.” Fanning’s immediate plans include adding a comprehensive wellness center for residents and hiring additional “radiant” employees who exemplify the company’s values.

Making It Happen For companies looking to expand in the retirement living industry, they must take into account two key building issues: securing land in properly zoned areas and obtaining state approval.

Patrick Zenner, development services manager for the City, drafted the ordinance in 2011 that now allows continuingcare retirement communities like Provision Living to build in residential areas, rather than limiting them to office or commercial zoning.

He says the amendment was precipitated by a formal request from Lenoir Woods, another retirement community, as an alternative to securing a zoning change. “We did the research and found that CCRCs are not that disconnected from multi-family zoning,” he says.

The city is in final review of another change, which would eliminate the acreage threshold for CCRCs and yield a greater opportunity for these facilities to locate in residential areas. Zenner says the city wants to create openings for these projects, not obstacles.

Zenner found it ironic, given Columbia’s medical community, that there were so few residential care facilities when he moved here seven years ago.

“As our population ages, we’ll continue to see an evolution of these types of facilities,” he says.

New assisted living and skilled nursing communities also must have a certificate of need, issued by the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee.

The committee exists to assure community need and to prevent unnecessary duplication of health care services. The committee includes four state legislators and five members appointed by the governor. Independent living facilities are not regulated for need.

48 \\\ APRIL 2016

Worry-Free Living At the end of the day, the construction is all about making room for the community’s parents and grandparents, people like John W. Green.

Green, age 66, was named after John Wayne, and he’s one of the youngest residents of The Terrace. Normally a comedian, when asked about his decision to move into a retirement community, he becomes more serious. “I was diagnosed with cancer for the third time last year,” he says from behind dark-rimmed glasses. “I had a 3-bedroom home, a yard and a dog. I couldn’t do work outside. I was trapped.”

After an intense season of chemotherapy and radiation, Green was spent — physically and emotionally. He retired. He knew he needed to make a significant change. “Let it go. That was my theory,” he says. So, he prepared to make the move.

Once he decided to sell his home, the choice of where to go was easy. Green says he’s made lots of friends; he likes his apartment and was able to bring his dog. “They have empathy and look after you here,” he says, “but they don’t hover or talk down to you.” Since moving in, Green discovered that his cousin lived in the community, and he’s convinced his brother-in-law to move in as well.

Tall and lean, Green sits back in a winged chair, and he’s the epitome of relaxation. He looks comfortable yet sharp in his blue-checked button-up shirt and dark jeans, the only signs of a lingering medical issue is found in the oxygen tank resting beside him. He talks with peace.

“I don’t have to worry about anything now,” he says. “When I was sick, in that big house, I was isolated. Here, I’m not. I feel safe.” Logistically, Green has his rent automatically deducted from his bank account each month and uses the community’s services for entertainment, laundry and apartment maintenance.

Green is looking forward to the renovations and the new apartments being added to the facility. “The change doesn’t bother me. I’m all for progress,” he says, rising out of his chair to attend his singing rehearsal. “Really, there are no worries here. Any worry is one you bring on yourself.” CBT

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 49

50 \\\ april APRIL 2016

'the Greenest House on Earth' Local architect Nick Peckham leads the passive build industry.

By brenna m c dermott photos by anthony jinson

I turn onto Country Club Lane looking for the “greenest house” I can find. I’m imagining a house made entirely of glass, or one with a large sculpture made of recycled soda cans built into the shape of Mother Earth.

The only thing architect and homeowner Nick Peckham told me was to look for the orange house. I hope to myself that isn’t the final color. And is this house going to look like a spaceship?

Instead of a home from the future, I drive up to a home that, besides the orange rubber on the outside (insulation, and not the final color, I would later find out), seemed to fit right in next to its historic neighbor at 2011 Country Club Lane, the Andrew W. McAlester House, built in 1883.

As I pull into the long gravel drive, a small green and white sign catches my eye: “The Greenest House on Earth.”

“That’s the only thing I do,” Peckham says. “If you don’t want to do something that’s environmentally responsible, go get somebody else. It just doesn’t make sense.” columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 51

‘Is that Orange the Color?’

Peckham addresses the bright orange right away.

“The people down at the Country Club have asked me, ‘Is that orange the color?’”

No, it’s not. In fact, the final colors will mirror that of the neighboring historic home, with white siding and gray, fireproof concrete shingles lining the bottom half of the building.

“I wanted this to be a state-of-the-art green building,” Peckham says. “Everything I know is in here. Recycled content, water conservation, day lighting, zero energy. So many things are in this house that could be in any house. The people who built this live in Boone County.”

Peckham, owner of Peckham Architecture, used as many local vendors as possible, from Glidewell Construction to Manor Roofing and Restoration. The house, when complete, will be “net zero,” meaning it produces as much energy as it consumes, if not more.

LOCAL VENDORS USED • • • • • • • • • • •

Glidewell Construction Mark Hall Cabinetry Dave Griggs Flooring America Inside the Lines Manor Roofing and Restoration Thermocore of Missouri Nemow Insulation Boone County Lumber Alpan Windows Air and Water Supply Columbia Redi Mix

Complete list at columbiabusinesstimes.com

Passive houses significantly reduce energy usage, White says, especially space conditioning, or heating and cooling. Unlike LEED or ENERGY STAR certified buildings, certification for passive houses is not achieved via checklist. Instead, homes are built to exact Passive Building standards, and the builder works with a consultant to evaluate the design and energy model.

The idea was pioneered in the 1970s, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Canadian government, according to PHIUS. The heating and cooling criteria are determined from formulas based on local climate factors, like temperatures, humidity and solar radiation. The heating criteria also depend on state-by-state energy prices.

According to PHIUS, the average passive building costs five to 10 percent more than a conventional building, and in general, the larger the building, the less the cost difference. Passive standards can be applied to any type of building, from single-family homes to skyscrapers.

“By applying a couple of passive principles, such as extra insulation in the building envelope, high performance windows, air tightness and then mechanical systems, that’s the recipe for passive building,” White says. “You’re just minimizing the heating and cooling demands of the building by properly designing the envelope.”

When Peckham’s house is finished, White says, it will be the first passive-certified house in Missouri.

“Depending on timing, this could be the second or third project in the U.S. to achieve this goal,” White says.

'The Bleeding Edge' “If this is the only building that ever got built this way, it would be a quirk,” Peckham says. “But I hope it’s an example of how straightforward it can be to build the most efficient building in the state, in the country.

I like to call it the greenest building on earth, but that might be a stretch.”

*Maybe Not on Earth… …But Peckham says he hasn’t been disproven yet.

What the structure will be is a passive house. When finished, it will be the most energy efficient home in Missouri and certainly in the top two or three in the country, according to Lisa White, certification manager at the Passive House Institute of the United States in Chicago (PHIUS).

52 \\\ APRIL 2016

When I meet Peckham in person, he’s conferring with general contractor Rod Glidewell, owner of Glidewell Construction, on the insulation. The exterior orange product turns out to be a premium rubber air and water barrier. Inside that are the Structural Insulated Panels. SIPs are high performing panels used in building floors, walls and roofs for residential buildings. They’re made by inserting special insulation between two particle boards and chemically bonding the insulation to the board. That bonding makes the insulation work better and helps control airtightness and air quality.

“I’m sorry, you can’t just put plastic on a building and hope that it’s going to be airtight,” Peckham says.

5 principles of passive design A passive building is designed and built with five building-science principles in mind. Source: PHIUS.org

1

It employs continuous insulation through the entire building envelope without any thermal bridging, or gaps.

2

The building envelope is airtight, preventing infiltration of outside air and loss of conditioned air.

3

It employs high-performance windows and doors.

4

It uses some form of balanced heat- and moisture-recovery ventilation and uses a minimal space conditioning system.

5

Solar power uses the sun's energy for heating purposes and minimizes those purposes in cooling seasons.

Though Glidewell has used sustainable products in his buildings before, this is his first completely “green” project.

“I was certainly glad just to have the opportunity to work with Nick,” Gildewell says. “It doesn’t matter how old you get: if you quit learning, you quit living.”

Glidewell and Peckham talk about the results of a blower door test, from just a few days before. Blower door tests examine the airtightness of a building, which helps conserve energy. Peckham reports they “nearly sucked the windows out of the house.”

Airtightness reduces energy consumption. The blower door includes a fan and is mounted into the frame of an exterior door.

The fan pulls air out of the building and lowers the air pressure inside. The higher-pressure outside air then flows into the building through any unsealed cracks and openings, which helps detect air leaks.

The building code states there should be no more than three air changes per hour at 50 pascals. The Peckham house tested at twotenths of an air change at 110 pascals.

Everything I know is in here. Recycled content, water conservation, day lighting, zero energy. So many things are in this house that could be in any house.

- Nick Peckham

In addition to pre-certification through PHIUS, the house will also be LEED Platinum certified and Energy Star certified.

“This is absolutely the bleeding edge,” Peckham says.

Home Tour The front porch will be bricked with 100-yearold Edwards Brick Company bricks that Peckham has recycled four times already.

“It’s not a curvy, stainless steel type building,” Peckham says. “So it has that respect for history.”

The exterior is piped with downspouts to collect rainwater in different locations around the house, which will lead to a 1,000 gallon water container buried in the backyard. That water will be used for gardening. The roof will include solar panels to collect solar energy, the house’s main source of power. In the summer, the panels will produce more than needed, and the excess will be put back into the grid.

The 4,400-square-foot house is divided into three parts: the front part includes living space like a three-season room, kitchen, dining room and living room; the middle will include Peck-

ham Architechture's office; and the back third is sleeping space, with three bedrooms.

From Backyard to Forest Peckham has been doing sustainable work for 40 years. His passion for sustainable building stems from his experiences in U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, in Kings Point, New York. As part of his training, he traveled to every continent, saw different cultures, religions and ways of life, and realized how small the planet is.

He later studied architecture under Buckminster Fuller, an American architect who invented the geodesic dome.

A caring attitude for the environment started at childhood. Peckham would go on long walks with his mother, and she would take a paper bag with her to pick up trash along the way.

“My dad’s idea of a good time on a Sunday afternoon was to go in a wood somewhere and dig up a small tree and plant it in the backyard,” Peckham says. “So the yard that was once a small piece of grass turned into a small forest by the time he was done. I don’t think either one of them was trying to save the world, I think they just thought that was the appropriate way to behave.” columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 53

Exceeding the Code Many elements of the house aren’t particularly unique; they simply exceed building code requirements.

The ceiling is insulated with cellulose and is twice as insulated as the building code requires.

The slab is separated from the foundation with four inches of insulation, connecting an “envelope” of insulation around the house.

The cement is mixed with fly ash, a recycled product that is a 25 percent substitute for cement and saves a large amount of energy in the cement-making process. The foundation uses a crush resistant foam to eliminate thermal bridging and retain heat between concrete and foundation.

The interior walls have fewer studs throughout, to minimize thermal bridges.

Most houses utilize half-inch sheet rock.

Peckham uses 5/8-inch sheet rock — it’s stronger, and it’s fireproof.

Mitsubishi heat pumps take energy out of the air to heat the house. And the house uses a recirculation pump, so no water has to go down the drain while waiting for the shower or sink to heat up. When the faucets turn on, there’s instant hot water.

Peckham chose Alpan windows — four times as energy efficient as standard windows — made with two panes of glass, with plastic designed for NASA in between.

When the house is finished, Peckham says it will have a $0 electric bill, and the city will buy back any excess energy from Peckham, though only at wholesale price, not retail.

54 \\\ APRIL 2016

“It’s not easy saving the world,” Peckham jokes.

The house cost $650,000 to build.

“I think that’s what custom homes cost,” Peckham says. “This one happens to be the greenest building on Earth. If people are spending that kind of money, they can get this. And obviously, if I wanted to build something for less cost, there are things that I might not have done.”

Baby Steps in Boone County Sustainable practices come with a learning curve: like they did after using products such as lead paint and asbestos, Peckham says, builders eventually learn from environmental missteps.

Glidewell says it’s discouraging how unaware the general public is to sustainable practices.

“We learn from our mistakes,” Glidewell says. “But over 30 years, I built spec homes and would have hundreds of people come through the home, and it always astounded me that 95 [percent] of them would ask where I got the crown mold or what color the paint was and none of them would ever ask me, ‘How efficient is the furnace?’”

Barbara Buffaloe, City of Columbia sustainability manager, says there are more green building projects in Columbia than ever. But none like Peckham’s.

During the recession, Buffaloe says, she saw more interest in the cost-savings aspect of

sustainability, but now she’s seeing an interest in creating a healthy indoor living space and having a positive impact on the community’s environment.

Buffaloe says she’s seeing an increase in LEED certified buildings in Columbia.

According to the U.S. Green Certified Buildings Council, there are 27 LEED certified buildings in Columbia.

The city will soon award its second Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement Awards

LEED Buildings of note •

Wabash Station

•

Columbia Government Center

•

IBM

•

Columbia Firestation #7

•

Eco Schoolhouse

•

AmerenUE Columbia Works HQ

•

University of Missouri Health Care Orthopaedic Institute

•

The North Light Building

•

The Broadway

to recognize local businesses who are “walking the walk.”

The city is currently benchmarking sustainable practices with other similar cities through the ENERGY STAR certification, which is used throughout North America.

“From what I’ve seen, we’re okay,” Buffaloe says. “We’re on average. I think we have a lot of assumptions that we’re a fantastic, really progressive community. I would say that, for Missouri, that might be true.”

The benchmarking will help Buffaloe and the city identify next goals for improvement and compile ideas that can be used in Columbia.

Buffaloe says sustainable living doesn’t have to be more costly, and that sometimes there’s a perception that “outside that the norm” must mean more expensive.

“It just takes creative thinking and willingness to plan a little bit longer, rather than to just go with what your contractor might normally do,” Buffaloe says.

If sustainable living can become the new normal, it will be better for the entire community. But for now, Buffaloe says, it’s still a niche.

Spaceship Earth Peckham says he sometimes finds himself criticizing the norms and standards in the building profession. But people are bound to follow the norm, and passive buildings aren’t

yet the norm. Sustainable homes are his contribution to what he calls “Spaceship Earth.”

“A part of me says, we’re screwed,” Peckham says. “Because there are so many people who are starting from zero and trying to figure out how to feed themselves, let alone how to save the world, that it’s really a daunting problem.”

What must happen, Peckham says, is a change from traditional build to what he calls comprehensive anticipatory design science.

That means contractors, sub-contractors, engineers, building officials and anyone else involved in the building process has to learn “100 times more” than what they currently know about building homes.

Right now, he is working with state legislators to hopefully offer tax credits for investments in renewable energy, which the federal government already offers.

After Peckham completes his house and moves in with wife, Diane, he’ll start work on a sustainable home directly behind his, for another local couple.

“Seeing that we’re all in this thing together, even though we don’t all know each other, even though it’s impossible to even know 115,000 people that live in Columbia,” Peckham says, “it’s hard, but I think we all have a responsibility to one another.” CBT columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 55

Meant

56 \\\ april APRIL 2016

To Be Over the past two years, a group of Columbia institutions have collaborated to create a new housing complex — Patriot Place — to help veterans overcome homelessness.

By matt patston i photos by anthony jinson

After he left prison, Danny Yates lived in the Community Release Center, in downtown St. Louis, and tried to stave off addiction. But drugs were pretty much everywhere at the CRC, so he left and took shelter at the Salvation Army. He heard a lot of gunshots.

A beggar punched him in the nose.

Danny wondered what he could do. Most of his work experience was in construction, but his left foot was gone. And he was a felon.

But Danny is a veteran, and to him, this meant being able to get yourself out of bad situations. A childhood friend offered him a place to stay and a job, tending a garden on some land outside Columbia, which Danny was proud of. But he and the friend had a falling out. Danny became homeless, again, and he started using methamphetamine.

Since leaving the Army in 1981, Danny had used drugs (mostly alcohol) to self-medicate trauma — trauma from his childhood, but also the trauma of not being in the Army anymore.

He was homeless and addicted for most of the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s. But he didn’t look for help. A lot of homeless veterans don’t.

“They’ve been productive, they’ve committed to something, they’ve made a sacrifice,” Danny told me. “For them to grovel down and ask for help is just extremely hard.

Extremely hard.”

I met Danny at the Truman Veterans Hospital to talk about veteran homeless and Columbia’s bid to help end it. He’s 53 now: short, with messy brown hair (covered by a beanie

when we talked) and a mustache that covers all of his upper lip. He walks with a cane.

He has deep wrinkles and stormy-colored eyes. Using a VA-affiliated voucher from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Danny’s been living in an apartment of his own for almost a year.

We talked about veteran homelessness, but also we also talked, more specifically, about Patriot Place, a 25-unit apartment complex managed by the Columbia Housing Authority in partnership with the VA, purposefully designed to give veterans the support needed to halt chronic homelessness. After more than two years of fundraising and construction, the first group of veterans are scheduled to move in this month. I wanted to know how Danny, as a former homeless veteran, felt.

“I feel enthusiastic — I feel hopeful,” he said. “I hope we can get all these veterans off the streets and into jobs. Because they’re helpless. And they’re not hopeless.”

P

hil Steinhaus applied to be CEO of the Columbia Housing Authority in 2006, after 13 years as the city’s community services director. Public housing would be an uninviting gig for some. Shortly after he took over, somebody told Steinhaus they’d rather be homeless than live in public housing.

Steinhaus felt motivated to turn the CHA into a model of efficiency. Given a tight budget, he coordinated community relationships and seized opportunities for federal help: tax columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 57

credits, competitive housing vouchers, and more. Steinhaus’ tactics coalesced last year, when the CHA started on a $22 million renovation project.

In 2008, as part of these efforts, the CHA qualified for Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers, or VASH, which combines the rental programs of HUD with case management and supportive services from the VA; Steinhaus describes it as “Section 8 for veterans.”

By that time, after soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan began returning home, housing administrators had begun to notice increasing numbers of homeless veterans. A study from the University of Missouri– St. Louis found that the number of veterans on the homelessness continuum of care increased 170 percent between 2007 and 2012. Various researchers found that around one-third of all homeless men in the U.S. were veterans.

“We know that when veterans are homeless, they run into trouble,” Steinhaus told me. If CHA could use VASH to keep trouble from happening, then Steinhaus wanted to do so. In 2014, the CHA applied for new, project-based VASH vouchers, which could help get more veterans off the streets if they had space in a specific project. The application was approved, and the CHA got 25 vouchers to distribute. But Steinhaus had another problem — finding 25 vacant one-bedroom apartments in Columbia.

The CHA didn’t have the money to build a new facility from scratch, at least not in the city. And most of the apartments that had been built in the last 15 years were for student housing, with three to five bedrooms per unit and management who might not be keen on renting rooms to homeless people.

“It wasn’t for the faint of heart,” Steinhaus said.

“You know, we kind of took a leap of faith here.”

In the spring, they found a place.

I

t’s a two-hour drive from Eureka, Missouri to Columbia, but Tim Sheahan was eager to make it. He’s a project superintendent with E.H. Harris Construction, and he was scouting out his next project. Steinhaus had told him it’d be the first thing he’d see when he got off of I-70 at exit 125, Business Loop 70 E. Sheahan slowed his truck as he rolled down the hill, looking to his left. He thought, that can’t possibly be it.

The Deluxe Inn was once part of the thriving string of motels along Highway 40, which would become Business Loop 70, but when the interstate was built and the area’s economy started to dive, the motels went with it. The

58 \\\ APRIL 2016

Rick Means, Sarah Froese, Greg Steinhoff and Phil Steinhaus have been instrumental in getting the Patriot Place project off the ground. Residents will begin to move in this month.

Deluxe Inn slipped into lower occupancy rates with higher crime, and eventually, it closed.

When Sheahan saw it, the inn looked bad.

Virtually every exterior surface was in some level of disrepair. The white handrails were rusting. The mint-green doors were chipping.

Some windows were cracked. Later, Sheahan would find rampant asbestos inside and an eight-foot burn pile that had hollowed out the middle of the parking lot.

So it was a fixer-upper.

I met Tim and Phil at Patriot Place, formerly the Deluxe Inn, in Febraury, as they were finishing up the exterior features. To me, it looked like a lot of other apartment complexes in Columbia: muted colors, nicely finished brick, lots of windows. It looked nicer and newer than anything in its vicinity. No doors front the street and there’s only one entry driveway, giving the complex a protected character. Eventually, there will be gardens and walking trails, but for now there is just the building.

We went to a room on the first floor, with a sheet of paper reading “OFFICE” taped on the door. It was scantly furnished — two foldable tables and a couple foldable chairs — and it was almost entirely concrete. Sheahan was pleasantly surprised to learn that the Deluxe Inn was built on a concrete frame, which maintained structural stability underneath the squalor.

Steinhaus told me the place had “good bones.”

The building that would become Patriot Place had 50 units, so Sheahan’s team knocked out some walls to make 25 one-bedroom apart-

ments. They walked me through the office and pointed out what everything would look like in a few weeks: vinyl plank floors, wood cabinets in the kitchen, a big screen TV on the wall, bar stools along the counter, the main closet, a shelf for knick-knacks — space to make the room feel like home. They restructured the complex’s second story to give each apartment a patio space to furnish and decorate.

“The veteran part of it is great,” Sheahan told me. “I’ve got a stepson who has three tours, so — so it really makes it kind of special.”

“Everybody’s been really happy in town, for the most part.” Steinhaus said.

“We’ve got a good team.” Sheahan said.

D

anny is the only child of divorced parents. They separated when he was an infant, and until he was 10, Danny bounced between his mom, in California, and his dad, who lived in a small town in northern Missouri (he asked we not include the name of the city). When he was 10, Danny’s mom relinquished custody, and he went to live in Missouri full time. He says his stepmother abused him. His grades slipped, and he had to drop out as a junior in high school.

Danny’s dad had been a combat engineer in Vietnam; figuring he’d follow in his father’s footsteps, Danny enlisted in the Army. He was stationed in Fort Richardson, Alaska — 25,000 acres of what is mostly Alaska wilderness, where it can reach 70 degrees below zero in the winter. Danny loved it there.

After leaving the Army in the early ’80s, Danny came back to Missouri and started working in construction. He missed being in the Army. Danny would later tell me that he didn’t start to get better until after he began treatment at the VA, where he could be around “brothers and sisters.”

“It didn’t take long for me to become chemically dependent,” Danny said. “And I fought it the whole way. I thought, ‘Oh, this is something I do, but it’s not who I am. I’m still a good person.’” He made several efforts to stay clean, and he would be successful for up to six months at a time before slipping up.

On the last day of March, in 1994, Danny was drinking, and he started driving down Highway 63.

A

violently cold winter storm blew through Columbia in the middle of February 2015.

A stiff wind whipped hard, icy snow horizontally through the air. A team of 20 or so Veterans United employees, standing in the parking lot of the Deluxe Inn, were eager to move inside to the dilapidated and asbestos-ridden motel rooms.

Greg Steinhoff, a tall man with wire-frame glasses and a low, smooth voice, stood in one of the rooms with a few other employees. They were doing demolition work — a strong suit for Steinhoff.

“You know,” Steinhoff said. “This place used to be a drug den.”

The other employees laughed lightly and nodded.

“So…there could be some money in these walls.” Steinhoff said.

The team moved a little more eagerly to their work. They broke into a wall and then ripped it off. Thirty or so Playboy magazines fell onto the floor.

Steinhoff, the director of the Veterans United Foundation and VU’s president of strategic operations, was helping lead a work day for the VU crew. Two months earlier, the foundation had put $1 million of support behind the Patriot Place project, nearly a fourth of the overall funding.

“As regular citizens, we see war movies and think we understand what it’s like,” Steinhoff told me, “but here, you get to see people struggling with everything that service can mean.

If you don’t have a family support structure,

and you go and serve and have a great support system with your buddies, all of a sudden you come back and you don’t have anybody. It’s really hard. You can see why so many of these guys end up lost.”

Steinhoff said the Patriot Place project was a natural fit for VU — they were already well connected with Welcome Home, the local nonprofit that provides shelter and services to homeless veterans in Columbia, which had by then agreed to convert half of the Deluxe Inn property to another shelter, a sister project to Patriot Place.

Besides, as several people at VU told me, their mission is to “get veterans into homes.”

VU’s gift preceded a flurry of private donations to the project. Shortly after VU announced their donation, Shelter Insurance donated $650,000 to the project. The CHA was able to furnish the apartments almost entirely with private donations; in March, the Columbia Community Development Corporation, a coalition of seven area banks, donated more than $81,000 to furnish 13 apartments and construct a picnic pavilion on the Patriot Place campus.

Leading VU’s involvement in the project was Jon Galloway, vice president of business development and external affairs. Galloway is earnest and measured in speech, and he smiles a lot. He seemed eager to have a forum to talk about the project.

Before moving to VU, Galloway worked on housing policy in the state treasurer’s office (an office his wife, Nicole, now holds). He began noting incongruities between his work and the public perception of homelessness. Veteran homelessness, in particular, interested him.

Galloway traces homelessness across different institutional levels in a community, a hierarchy that homeless people need to conquer, level by level, before they can successfully establish a home and life.

For example, without transportation, a homeless person has no way of getting to a job; without a job, they’d have no means of saving money; without saving money, they can’t budget to buy food and pay rent; without that, they’re hungry and homeless. The first link in the chain, Galloway figured, was shelter.

“If you can make a difference in just one segment of that, it can have an impact on everything else,” Galloway said. “But it starts with housing.”

After coming to VU, Galloway immediately pushed for a more developed relationship with Welcome Home. The nonprofit currently works out of one building, at the corner of Business Loop and Rangeline, with rooms columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 59

upstairs and administrative offices in the basement. If the shelter rooms are filled up, a veteran will occasionally live on the couch in the basement hallway, right outside Sarah Grim’s office.

Grim is Welcome Home’s CEO. Steinhoff said he doesn’t know of any organization that does more with less money than Welcome Home. Councilman Michael Trapp told Grim that Welcome Home was “consistently fighting outside their weight class.” Welcome Home’s philosophy on homelessness aligned with Galloway’s, in what would become the foundational principle for the Patriot Place project: housing first.

“People don’t become homeless because they’re missing a paycheck,” Grim told me. There are more foundational issues: mental health, community support, shelter.

Grim created an archetype of the modern homeless veteran, who she says is very different from the veterans of wars like Vietnam. Now, military service isn’t compulsive; the only people in the army are choosing to be in the Army. Many people choose to be in the Army because they’re looking for a family, and often, they’re not very good with rules. But the military has a lot of rules — so many rules that it stresses a soldier’s mental health. If they get deployed, they’re likely to add violent physical and mental trauma to that stress. After they’re discharged, the soldier has a limited skill set and education, and once again, they’re alone and possibly mentally ill. But now they’ve been indoctrinated with a profound sense of pride and independence, and receiving treatment or charity would threaten that. So, the next best option is to self-medicate, which further limits their chances of living in a stable home.

“There’s not one easy fix to beat homelessness,” Grim said. “Everyone sees that someone made housing and thinks, ‘Hey, we’ve ended veteran homelessness.’”

D

anny woke up in the hospital three weeks later. Doctors had originally thought he was going to die — he’d broken bones, his jaw was wired shut and he had a traumatic brain injury.

His mother was in the hospital room, but he didn’t know who she was. He tried to get a bearing on his surroundings. He looked down the bed.

“Where’s my foot?” he asked.

His mother — a stranger — said, “Well, honey, the doctors had to take it.”

Danny started crying. He told me that he had the brain of a six-year-old, and it took weeks for his personality to come back. It would be a little while longer before Danny learned what had happened.

When he was driving down Highway 63, he had hit another car and killed a man. More than 20 years later, he was hesitant to talk about it. He spoke shortly, in a low voice.

“My heart broke, you know? I’d almost died, and add to that that I found I’d killed an innocent man …

60 \\\ APRIL 2016

Froese, Means and Steinhaus tour a completed apartment at Patriot Place.

being responsible for the death of an innocent person isn’t something you want to have to deal with. I’m just now at a point where I can deal with it.”

The interim period was anaesthetized with drugs. It wasn’t until Danny got involved with the VA and with Welcome Home that he “got my dignity back, my self-worth back. I just went through 20 years of — I don’t know.

Beating myself up.”

Danny said that he felt guilty, so he pled guilty. He stayed out of prison, on six year’s probation. He was chemically dependent and still needed to self-medicate, but he didn’t want to drink anymore. That led him to the methamphetamine addiction that would keep him homeless for most of the next two decades. He spent some time in Columbia, but he mostly slept on streets around his hometown.

Sometime during these years, somebody told Danny to talk to the VA if he got in trouble. He brushed them off. But in 2008, after Danny was arrested on meth charges, he called the Truman VA from prison for more information on their addiction treatment program.

D

on’t underestimate how hard it is to get off drugs,” Sarah Froese told me. “For some of these people, the stigma of receiving help can be overwhelming.

The next best thing is self-medication.”

Froese leads the psychosocial rehabilitation program at Truman VA, which encompasses treating homeless veterans. As part of the program, Froese helps veterans, including Danny, facilitate housing through the VASH program. It’s a taxing job for her team members, mentally and emotionally.

“There are people that I would have laid bets on that they’re not going to succeed in housing and they’re still in housing” Froese said. “And then there are people who look like shining stars who are some of the toughest cases we’ve had. There’s no predictor.”

Placing a veteran, particularly one in recovery, in a home is extremely delicate. If you can’t alleviate multiple burdens of chronic homelessness at once — finding housing and an income and mental health services and medical services and community connections — the odds of success go down. Even when she can address all of those, Froese says, there’s still no guarantee.

But that’s what Patriot Place could provide a veteran: one campus with a community and culture of recovery, complete with social ser-

vices and a home to make their own. A home base for recovery.

When I talked to her, Froese was in the process of deciding which 25 veterans will move into Patriot Place. The VA uses a “vulnerability index” to determine how likely a veteran is to be on the street and how likely they are to succeed in housing. The higher the score, the better chance of that veteran getting housing assistance. If she comes across a low score, Froese tries to find another solution, because “We’re the VA,” she said. “If our light isn’t always open for a veteran, no matter how many times they fail, we’re not doing our job.”

Beginning in April, veterans will start moving into Patriot Place in cohorts of four: the VA and the CHA want to be careful and intentional about establishing a positive culture, one group at a time.

“It gives me goosebumps thinking about the day folks move in,” Jon Galloway said.

“You can say this is your home, this can be your apartment, you’re going to have the supportive services to keep you on track … this is going to be a place where veterans come and the community comes and says we care. I think it’ll be phenomenal.”

In late March, Froese, Steinhoff, Steinhaus and Shelter CEO Rick Means were checking out one of the finished apartments. They poked their heads into different rooms and ran their hands along the wood cabinets.

It was hard for me to picture the concrete “bones” that I’d seen a couple weeks before, lying beneath this new apartment.

Sheahan came to show everybody around; Froese smiled at him and said, in a low growl, “This looks great!” The two hugged. Nobody else talked much, but smiled.

“You know, some things feel like they’re meant to be” Steinhoff told me, in an earlier conversation. “This project has really taken on that feel.”

Danny’s favorite place is the VA. Having been clean and in housing for a year, he now wants to help. Over the phone, a couple weeks after I met him, Danny told me he wasn’t sure why he survived the car wreck he’d caused — “Just stubborn, maybe,” he said. It reminded me of something he said early in our first conversation: “I’m not real sure what my purpose here is, but I’m pretty sure it has something to do with helping my fellow veterans. You may be from different branches or whatever, but you’re a family. I don’t know how to say it much better than that.” CBT

FEATURED LISTING

Old Hawthorne Plat 1 Lot 1 Columbia, MO 65201 Price: Type: Zoning: Acreage:

$9-16/SF Sale Land C-P 6.77

Rapidly expanding East Columbia property for sale adjacent to Old Hawthorne County Club and across Hwy WW from the recently approved elementary school. Seller will sub-divide, call for details.

GINA RENDE

314-477-4462 gina@malyrealty.com

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 61

Image Source: ThinkStock 62 \\\ april 2016

Building with

Diligence Columbia Housing Authority rebuilds public housing.

By Jason Smallheer Since 2013, the Columbia Housing Authority has had a master plan in place to rehabilitate its 719 affordable housing units and add a property for homeless veterans. Thanks to federal funding and local financing from Providence Bank and Central Bank of Boone County, 242 units are currently under construction throughout Columbia.

The Bear Creek and Stuart Parker housing projects are being rehabilitated, making the units more modern and energy-efficient. Columbia Housing Authority CEO Phil Steinhaus says some of the properties had not been updated in 50 years and are in need of updates to everything.

Local Help Providence Bank is lending $9.2 million to finance the renovation of the 84-unit Stuart Parker housing project. Senior Vice President Eric Morrison says financing the project is a win for both the bank and the city of Columbia.

“We are happy to be a part of this,” Morrison says. “We want to be a strong partner with the CHA. This is significant for the community.”

Morrison says this is the first time Providence Bank has won one of the bids to help with CHA renovations, and he hopes there are more to come.

“The goal is to upgrade all the [CHA] units,” he says. “Some of the properties have not seen renovations. There are so many great community banks being part of the community project.”

Central Bank of Boone County is assisting with the financing of two other projects currently underway: 78 units at the Bear Creek project and

the construction of Patriot Place, on the site of the former the Deluxe Inn, which will be a home for displaced veterans (see story, page 56). The CHA says it will take about $4,000 to furnish each unit at the complex. Veterans will pay 30 percent of their gross household income for rent, and the rest, including utilities, will be completely supported through funds from the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, or VASH. If residents have no income, the VASH voucher will cover everything.

Chris Rosskopf, VP of Commercial Banking at CBBC says their involvement in the rehabilitation of the two projects gives back to the city of Columbia.

“These projects fill the needs of two distinct demos,” he says, “the lower income that need affordable housing and the veterans.”

Ending the Projects The local banks fund a portion of the renovations, with the rest coming from federal programs that began after World War II and have seen evolutions since the 1970s. Early public housing programs confined all the units to a specific area of a community, creating “the projects.” In the 1970s, the Housing Choice Voucher Program was put into action with the goal to disperse public housing to many areas within a community. Steinhaus says the redemption behind the voucher system is simple.

“A person can apply for a voucher. When they get one, they then find a location to rent, just like anyone else,” he says. “The landlord agrees

to accept the voucher and the tenant pays 30 percent of their household income for rent.”

The CHA voucher program does require the tenant to have specific responsibilities. They must keep up with their portion of the rent, all utilities must be set up under the name of the occupant, and all utility bills are the responsibility of the tenant as well.

Steinhaus says the result of the program is that poverty has become less centralized, giving everyone the opportunity to live in nice communities. In the past, areas with widespread poverty were often a breeding ground for crime and violence.

The general public knows the voucher program as Section 8. Some landlords will allow a certain percentage of their units to be part of the voucher program, while others are open to allowing all their units to be rented by voucher recipients. In other instances, properties are built, under strict guidelines, to be affordable housing only for those on the voucher program.

Steinhaus says there are benefits for the builders of these properties. The builder receives tax breaks in the form of the lowincome housing tax credit, which is a dollar-fordollar reduction in the builder’s federal income tax. Investors will purchase some of the tax credits for an equity stake in the project. The result, Steinhaus says, is the builder borrowing less, and after 15 or 20 years, the remainder of the builder’s loan is forgiven. According to a report on the CHA website, the houses have to be “well-constructed, energy efficient, accessicolumbiabusinesstimes.com /// 63

ble, and dispersed throughout the community.”

The caveat to the builder is that the property must rent below market value to qualified lowincome renters.

Continuing Renovations Renovations are large-scale for Stuart Parker Apartments and more minor for Paquin Tower. The Paquin Tower project has not seen a major update since its construction in 1973.

It caters to the elderly and residents with disabilities and has 200 units available for rent.

The current series of renovations to Paquin Tower includes new appliances, ceiling tiles, and handrails in the bathrooms. Before 2012, the property was not energy efficient. Heat would rise, and to keep the temperature under control, residents on the upper floors had to open windows in winter to let out warm air. A better system was in need, and new geothermal heat pumps were installed in 2012. The pumps take heat from the ground captured in the summer and use it for heating in the winter; cooler air from winter is then captured and used for cooling the units in the summer.

“We replaced the window air conditioning units, installed double pane windows and an energy recovery system,” Steinhaus says. “We also installed an air scrubber and made the building smoke-free.”

The improvements to the project saved more than $100,000 in utility costs within the first year. As a result, similar processes are being implemented in other properties that CHA manages. Steinhaus says a federal stimulus grant in 2008 made the installation of geothermal heating units possible.

The Stuart Parker renovations are more comprehensive, all 84 units have been completely gutted. The former walls were all concrete. As a result, the insulation was poor. Washer and dryer hookups are also going to be added. While residents will be responsible for supplying their own washer and dryer, this addition will eliminate the requirement of having to go to the on-property laundry facility. Steinhaus says porches, patios, and storage sheds will also be added.

64 \\\ APRIL 2016

The Stuart Parker and Paquin Tower renovations began in January and renovations to all units will be completed by the end of 2017.

The Bear Creek Apartments’ 78 units that CBBC is helping to renovate were built between 1956 and 1963 and, with multi-room units, cater to families. The complex is undergoing a complete overhaul. The improvements will result in better appliances, more energy efficient windows and heat pumps similar to those used in Paquin Tower. CHA examined the possibility of razing the property completely and starting over on the same site. However, it was deemed more cost-effective to gut each property and build on the same foundation and building frame. The Bear Creek renovation project is slated to begin May 1 and be completed by the end of 2017.

The goal is to upgrade all the (CHA) units. Some of the properties have not seen renovations. There are so many great community banks being part of the community project.

The CHA Affordable Housing Strategic Plan has a waiting list for Columbia residents to move into affordable housing. Steinhaus says it’s more than inexpensive housing that draws people to the CHA properties; it’s also the services available to residents. Each property has a resident services coordinator, a person that the residents can turn to as they get settled in their new neighborhood. The CHA also offers a family self-sufficiency program, a five-year

plan to help the family become self-sufficient and move into a community not supported by the CHA. This, in turn, enables the CHA to turn the property around and begin helping another member of the community. Other programs include money management programs, youth after-school programs and a food pantry.

Steinhaus recalls a hearing for a potential resident that was coming to Columbia from the St. Louis area.

“She says her sister was in our program and was able to get on her feet, find a job, and buy a house of her own,” he says. “She wanted the same for her family.”

In preparation for construction, Steinhaus says they will not fill vacancies at the property to be worked on. Instead, prospective residents will be placed in another community so no current residents are displaced.

Steinhaus says there are financial benefits to both Providence Bank and CBBC for being local lenders and supporting the projects.

“When (a builder) applies for a low-income tax credit, banks want to see the next 20 years’ business plan,” he says. “They see the plan, and it’s low-risk. They have confidence in the project, and they are a great community partner.”

Morrison wants to increase Providence Bank’s role in the program and continue to invest in the local community.

“Ideally, we would like to see all the properties rehabbed,” he says.

“The city of Columbia gets rehabilitated, and all the properties are rented.”

Rosskopf says the CHA has a strong plan in place moving forward.

“We welcome the opportunity to be involved in future projects,” he says. “These [Patriot Place and Bear Creek] are two of the larger projects we have in place. We appreciate the partnership we have here.”

He says the reason the program has been successful is due to the diligence of Steinhaus.

“We are lucky to have Phil in his role,” Rosskopf says. “He is a person who can see the process through, and we are pleased Columbia has him.” CBT

FEATURED LISTING

15 S 10th Street Columbia, MO 65201 Price: $2,100,000 Sale or $6,000/Month Lease Type: Retail/Office Zoning: C-2 SQ FT: 7,204 Well maintained mixed use building located in the heart of downtown Columbia. Available for lease or purchase. Building offers three 3 bedroom units, main floor retail/office and lower level retail/office.

MEL ZELENAK

573-999-3131 mel@malyrealty.com

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 65

nonprofit spotlight

›› Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture

Grassroots Agriculture

Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture connects people to food.

BY Sierra Stewart | photos by ben meldrum In a study performed in 2011, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services released a health assessment stating that Missouri’s obesity rate was 30.2 percent, higher than the U.S. rate of 27.7 percent. The Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, a Sustain Mizzou project formed in 2009 by Adam Saunders, Dan Soetaert and Bobby Johnson, grew to counteract the rise in obesity and the low rate of vegetable consumption.

An Urban Farm Experience In 2007, two years before CCUA was founded, the Census of Agriculture found that 47 percent of Missouri’s total agricultural receipts came from crops. With a boom in urban agricultural interest over the last ten years, CCUA educates the eager masses and increases the receipts in the metropolitan area.

CCUA’s core program, the Urban Farm Experience, gives K–12 students, adult civics groups and college classes at MU and Stephens College the capacity to not only set foot on a farm for potentially the first time, but also to interact with the food they eat every day. Urban farm educator Kyle Holland tailors each class specifically to the needs and Billy Polansky

66 \\\ APRIL 2016

desires of each group, providing a unique and flexible experience.

“We’ve seen a lot of kids pull their very first carrot out of the ground, and it’s a really profound experience for them to realize, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s food under the ground!’” says Heather Gillich, director of education. “It can be the same for adults too. It really highlights the need for connecting people to food origins.”

CCUA hosts a program in seven primary schools across Columbia, establishing outdoor classroom committees comprised of administrators, teachers, parents and community volunteers invested in connecting children to what they eat. The nonprofit also hosts clubs and activities for students interested in exploring the world of agriculture and works with the international organization Slow Food to provide in-class activities on good, clean and fair food. Currently, in three schools, CCUA hosts a Harvest of the Month program, where students learn about one crop at a time: how to produce it, what the experience is like and how to cook with the crop.

“The students really get engaged with it,” Gillich says. “One of the things that was really surprising to me last year was that we focused Sarah Bantz

on cabbage, and they made these quesadillas that had apple, cheddar and sauerkraut. The kids loved it.”

It Takes a Village CCUA boasts a list of over 30 local business partners, including Happy Hollow Farm, The Blue Note and Lucky’s Market. The business partners make CCUA’s constantly evolving agricultural projects and education possible with the help of grants and sold produce. With help from these partners, CCUA has the capacity to partner with nonprofits like Sustainable Farms and Communities for their latest ongoing project: building a city park focused on urban agriculture near the Columbia Farmers Market at the Activity and Recreation Center. “[Our partnership with CCUA] has been very constructive,” Sustainable Farms and Communities chair Kenneth Pigg says. “Obviously, we share the same commitment towards local food and healthy eating, so anything that falls within that framework, we can often find common ground and a way to work on things.”

CCUA hosts a variety of projects yearround, including Planting for the Pantries. The philanthropic project asks business, churches,

Carrie Hargrove

Robbie Price

➜ 1207 Smith St. 573-514-4147 columbiaurbanag.org

clubs and individuals in the Columbia community to sponsor 4-by-60-foot rows of food at their urban farm. Over the program’s first three years, more 10,314 pounds of food have been produced in the 50 rows.

“With every dollar we raise through these row sponsorships, we do three things: 50 cents is used to take the fresh produce we grow at the urban farm to the local food pantries and hunger relief outlets; 25 cents goes towards educational funding; and the final 25 cents goes into an endowment fund to provide more financial security for what we do,” says Saunders, CCUA’s public outreach coordinator and co-founder.

The nonprofit also raises funds through an edible landscaping service and “opportunity gardens.”

For low-income families in the Columbia area, CCUA’s opportunity gardens program provides materials and mentoring for people to begin their own garden at home, hoping to “create gardeners” rather than give away gardens. The three-year program is free, but those eligible are required to fill out applications and expectation forms, meet with a staff member, and assist in creating the garden. To date, more than 92 low-income families and 500 individuals have participated in the program.

“There’s a lot of excitement and momentum around local food and healthy eating, so really what we do is we tap into what Adam Saunders

the needs of the community are,” says Billy Polanski, CCUA general manager. “There’s a lot of work to be done.”

Growing Up On April 10, CCUA will host their first Empty Bowls, a free lunch and dinner at the Missouri United Methodist Church, in hopes of raising hunger awareness and taking donations for the Planting for the Pantries project.

“I hope there’s interest to do this in years to come and hopefully to grow this into a pretty significant project that feeds a lot of people and raises money for Planting for the Pantries,” Saunders says. “Our ultimate goal is to get row sponsorships every year and take all 50 rows to the food pantry.”

While the nonprofit hopes to further expand into surrounding communities in the future, their main goal is to continue working on their vision of a healthy and active community in Columbia. By providing programs to every generation and class, they hope to inspire an increase in urban agriculture.

“It’s surreal to think back seven years and think how far things have come,” Saunders says. “We started as an all-volunteer effort with very little funding, and it’s grown to be a big crew of tens and hundreds of volunteers and really great programs. Looking forward eight years, looking at what we have on our build list and possibilities that we’re kicking around, it’s really exciting to see what could materialize.” CBT

Heather Gillich

FEATURED LISTING

900 E. Broadway Columbia, MO 65201 Price: Type: Zoning: SQ FT:

$10/SF Lease Office C-2 4,000

Prime Downtown second floor office space located on the corner of 9th Street and Broadway is available for lease. Landlord will divide for a smaller footprint and finish to suit.

Ellen Thomas

GINA RENDE

314-477-4462 gina@malyrealty.com

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 67

Ashley Steiner and Lezlee Leonard Photo by Anthony Jinson APRIL 2016 68 \\\ april

celebrations

➜ 415 Bailey Drive 573-303-7252 thevillageofbedfordwalk.com

›› The Village of Bedford Walk

Redefining Retirement

By Jennifer Truesdale

The Village of Bedford Walk provides high-end retirement living and a vibrant community.

Since the mid-1990s, baby boomers have been flocking to college towns, where low cost of living and vibrant culture are attractive features for retirement. With trendy restaurants, art and music festivals; endless parks and trails; educational opportunities; and highly rated health care facilities, Columbia has become one such retirement destination in recent years.

In response, various retirement communities have been springing up in Columbia. To fulfill the needs of the growing “55 and better” population, the Village of Bedford Walk, at the corner of Bethel and Nifong in Columbia, is an option for those seeking independent living.

Design in Mind Bedford Walk, set to fully open this June after 18 months of construction, boasts 27 units and a four-story apartment home building, a total of 88 units, on Bailey Drive. The units range in size from the approximately 600-square-foot Bristol studio apartment to the 1,550-square-foot, two-bed, two-bath Stratford villa.

A tour of one model villa at Bedford Walk reveals an intentional design that goes beyond the marriage of form and function. No steps can be found in these units. Kitchen countertops are installed higher than usual, for greater comfort. Attractive grab bars in rubbed-bronze finish are placed wherever there aren’t nonslip surfaces. Even the electrical outlets are placed higher on the walls, to help prevent falls.

Lezlee Leonard, who helped choose these universal design choices, is an exuberant tour guide. With a master’s degree in gerontology, Leonard has served as coordinator of JES Prime Senior Living since June 2014, shortly before construction began on Bedford Walk.

JES Prime Senior Living is the newest family member of JES Holdings LLC, founded by Columbia native Jeff E. Smith. Several of the privately held companies specialize in various types of senior living locally and nationwide, with JES Prime Senior Living entering the mix

specifically to accommodate independent living in Columbia.

“The idea is for seniors to be able to age in place,” says Leonard. “Assisted living costs more money, offers less space and feels more institutional. Why leave [Bedford Walk]?”

Leonard hits upon the spectrum of choices available in senior living relative to a resident’s level of independence and medical need. Bedford Walk combines the autonomy of the independent retirement community with the best features of assisted living facilities, in which residents can purchase services as needed. The result is highend living with loads of services, safety features and social activities.

Amenities Galore “We offer as much of a maintenance-free lifestyle as we can, starting with rent, which includes all utilities and a daily [catered] lunch,” says Ashley Steiner, community manager, who works closely with Leonard.

Regardless of unit style, residents can expect high ceilings with crown molding, cushioned wood floors, ample closet space, fresh kitchens and bright bathrooms with modern fixtures to round out a stately residence.

But Steiner and Leonard take pride in the services that extend beyond the finishes to create an active, thriving community.

Before residents even arrive, a moving specialist can visit their current home to help them downsize and coordinate the move. Once at Bedford Walk, residents enjoy their own fitness center, beauty salon, movie theater and billiards room; private dining rooms; and a bistro with wine lockers. The concierge service can arrange tickets to events in town as well as privately chauffeured transportation. The outdoor courtyard and walking trails are ideal for pet owners. For an additional monthly fee, Bedford Walk allows up to two pets and has no breed specifications.

Health and safety features at Bedford Walk are also attractive. A registered nurse serves as the wellness coordinator and each resident receives a health assessment upon move-in by the RN and is updated every six months.

And then there is the “I’m Okay” motion-sensor system. Installed in a high-traffic area in every unit, the sensor sends an alert to Steiner’s cell phone if no movement has been detected by 11 a.m. each day, providing comfort to families.

Looking Ahead Leonard says that many prospective Bedford Walk residents are returning MU alumni, and that about 25 percent are coming from out of state in hopes of relocating closer to children and grandchildren.

In the future, JES Prime Senior Living looks to expand to other moderately-sized SEC towns, where Leonard says there is an underdevelopment of senior communities. In the meantime, the focus is on Columbia and the Village of Bedford Walk.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are,” Leonard says. “People need people, and we’re bringing that to Columbia.” CBT

Timeline 1984-1995 › Jeffrey E. Smith establishes family of companies that construct and manage family and senior housing communities locally and nationwide, including Fairway Construction Co. Mid-1990s › Baby Boomers head to college towns for retirement.

2014 › JES Prime Senior Living becomes the sixth subsidiary in JES Holdings.

2014 › Fairway Construction breaks ground on the Village of Bedford Walk at Bethel and Nifong, starting with the nine villas.

2015 › Construction on the multi-level apartment home building begins.

2015 › First resident moves into Bedford Walk.

2016 › By June, all 88 units will be complete and ready for move-in. columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 69

Your One Stop Design & Print Shop With nearly 40 years of experience, area businesses know us for our efficiency and affordability. We have the know-how to execute your next printing project, so let us price your: Business cards | Letterhead & envelopes | Brochures & flyers Invitations | Forms & labels | Menus And much, much more Your complete satisfaction is our goal ... And our guarantee.

573-446-4400 | AccentPress.net | 316 Tiger Lane | Columbia

70 \\\ APRIL 2016

MARKETING

›› Monica Pitts talks marketing trends and tips

Blogging: More Is Better Well…not if your blog is self-serving, terribly written, irrelevant or just copying someone else’s stuff. But if you’re writing quality blog posts, then I stand by my original statement — more is better.

Each blog post is like adding a page to your site, and more pages is better. Here’s why.

It’s another opportunity to ask people for their business. Imagine each page in your website as a networking contact. If you know seven people, then you can ask only seven people for their business. And only seven people can tell others about your business. Now imagine you know 300 people. You have 293 more people to ask about potential business needs. Which is better: seven or 300? Pages work like that.

It’s a door to your site. Each page in your site is like a door to your house; it’s a way for visitors to enter. Some visitors come in the front door, while others go in the garage. It all depends on what part of your house they’re interested in. The more doors you have to your house, the more ways people can enter. Each page in your site is an opportunity to invite people in and allow them to look around.

It’s a relevant conversation. People search for your services like they talk about your services. But you write about your services like you talk about your services, and you’re an expert and they’re not. So, there’s often a gap in vocabulary between what you’re talking about on the website and the words people are using to find the information you have to offer.

Blogging allows you to address a question or an oddly named service head-on, allowing you to capture those visitors directly and send them to the information you have to help them make a buying decision.

It meets buyers where they are. As people journey through the buying cycle, they make decisions along the way. When they get

m o n i ca p i t ts

started, they are often identifying a problem that exists in their lives. Then, they’ll look for a solution to the problem. After that, they’ll evaluate who might be able to help them.

Lastly, they’ll make a decision on whom to work with. Buyers express different questions, concerns and knowledge levels about the decisions they’re trying to make during each step of the journey. Blogging can meet them where they are and answer the questions at the moment they’re searching.

It’s a way to build rapport and establish yourself as a thought leader. People research before they buy. Are they getting their research from you or your competition? Blogging allows them to look to you for the answers instead of developing a relationship with your competition first.

It demonstrates you’re a reputable business in the eyes of Google. Google looks at your site and online activities as a whole to judge if your business is reputable. It also works to pair searchers with the answers they want most. A site that’s updated often (say, with a regularly posted blog) is rewarded. Google sees it as a well maintained site and will check to see if you added blog posts more often than it would if the site wasn’t updated regularly. Properly promoted blogging also generates return visitors to your site, which shows Google that your visitors are more than just an acquaintance — they might be a friend, and more friends is better. If you have many people visiting your site and reading your information, Google realizes your information is relevant and offers it to more people.

There you have it. By writing more quality blog posts, you generate more: more opportunities, more doors, more conversations, more compassion, more education and more rapport. Yup, more is better. CBT

Case Study Stats Regular Blogger: Spradling Home Inspections Started blogging regularly May 2014 (2014: 25 posts, 2015: 42 posts, 2016: 7 posts) 6 Months Traffic Before Blogging: Total Sessions: 773 (about 129/mo) May 1, 2014 - Nov. 1, 2014 18 Posts Made Total Sessions: 1,377 (about 230/mo) Total Blog Visitors: 175 Nov. 2, 2014 - May 1, 2015 27 Posts Made Total Sessions: 2,373 (about 396/mo) Total Blog Visitors: 777 May 2, 2015 - Nov. 1, 2015 20 Posts Made Total Sessions: 5,412 (about 902/mo) Total Blog Visitors: 1,193

Occasional Blogger: Barchet & Jones Started blogging occasionally in Dec. 2011 One year prior to blogging: Total Sessions: 1,071 Dec. 15, 2011 - Dec. 14, 2012 18 Blog Posts Made Total Sessions: 2,235 Total Blog Visitors: 300 Dec. 15, 2012 - Dec. 14, 2013 12 Blog Posts Made Total Sessions: 2,102 Total Blog Visitors: 381 Dec. 15, 2013 - Dec. 14, 2014 1 Blog Post Made Total Sessions: 2,330 Total Blog Visitors: 346 Dec. 15, 2014 - Dec. 14, 2015 4 Blog Posts Made Total Sessions: 2,693 Total Blog Visitors: 471

➜ C h i e f cr e a t i v e d ir e c t o r o f Ma y e cr e a t e d e s ig n columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 71

Built for the Endless Weekend.

The all-new 2016 Toyota Tacoma.

It’s here. And it’s hot. The all-new Tacoma. Unwavering capability and the good looks to match. It’s attitude amplified, and shows everyone that this off-road icon is ready to rock. Because really getting after it, is really good.

Starting MSRP

$ 23,300 *

*Price may not reflect vehicle shown and does not include sales tax or $99 administration fee. Offer ends February 29, 2016. See dealer for current offers and complete details.

JOE MACHENS TOYOTA SCION 72 \\\ APRIL 2016

1180 Vandiver Drive · 573-445-4450 joemachenstoyota.com

Startups

›› Chris Nyenhuis shares startup lessons learned

Reshaping Real Estate Over the past year, I have had more than a few startup ideas and pitches thrown my way. I have to say, the market that I have found most interesting and intriguing has been real estate. We have obviously moved past the days of the 2008 housing market crisis, and I think it’s fair to say the real estate market is doing pretty well. In some cities, I have even heard that realtors have limited inventory of property to sell.

Real estate is pretty much everywhere these days. My wife and I love watching house flipping shows — they always make property buying look so easy. So why wouldn’t people want to get involved in this market? I mean, when you stop and think about it, it makes so much sense. Whether you are trying to get into the $30.9 billion lawn care marketplace or the $12 trillion (yes, that’s trillion) U.S. commercial real estate industry, there doesn’t seem to be a lack of opportunity or shortage of startups trying to solve the industry’s problems.

That’s why, as of Oct. 19, 2015, there are more than 58 startups that have raised millions of dollars trying to disrupt the real estate industry, and the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down or scaring away any founders or investors from joining the pack. The startups vary in use: some well-known companies, such as Zillow and Trulia, help prospective buyers find their dream homes; Balcony automates referrals to save time and help agents do their jobs; Student.com helps students find housing around the world; and BetterView helps insurance companies inspect roofs with drones so they no longer have to send people to inspect dangerous roofs.

Startups are using technology and data to revolutionize an industry that used to be bogged down by paperwork and phone calls.

Startups are using technology and data to revolutionize an industry that used to be bogged down by paperwork and phone calls. They’re improving convenience and accessibility, and they’re automating the whole sales process from the beginning to end. As much as people want to argue that real estate is a personal experience and that relationships matter, at the end of the day, the real estate industry is an information business. Whoever has the best information, the most accurate information and access to the technology will win the deals.

CB Insights reported that real estate tech startups raised $1.7 billion in 2015, which represents a 50 percent increase year-over-year. 2016 numbers are expected to eclipse the 2015 increases.

Ch r i s Ny e n h u i s

Most Well-Funded Real Estate Tech Companies 2011 – February 2016 1. Fangdd: $311 million 2. Aiwujiwu: $305 million 3. PropertyGuru: $193 million 4. Redfin: $167 million 5. Auction.com: $142 million 1. Housing.com: $131 million 2. Real Matters: $127 million 3. Compass: $118 million 4. OpenDoor Labs: $110 million 5. SMS Assist: $105 million So, if you are reading this and wondering how you can use your real estate experience and know-how (or if you simply have an idea to disrupt or reshape how property is bought, sold and managed) CB Insights recently gave a great breakdown of the different areas where you can get your toes wet: • List and Search Services

• Leasing Management Software • Virtual Viewing • Data, Valuation and Analytics • Tech-Enabled Brokerage • Property Management • Sales and Marketing

• Investment

• Property Information

• Agent Matching Services CBT

• Broker-Free List and Search

➜ Ma n agi n g Dir e c t o r o f E y e s o n F r e ig h t columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 73

We asked Tolton parents what impressed them most about the Tolton Catholic program. Here’s what they had to say...

“ ”

The most impressive thing for us has been how well balanced our children have become.

It is not simply about academics, athletics or their social life; but more about how they fit into the world and what kind of difference they can make.

The focus on community, tolerance, support and love for God and one another is the most incredible part.

Tolton has done a great job at preparing our child for college.

They have guided her through the college application, admissions and scholarship processes.

I feel confident that she has the foundation to help her succeed through that next phase of life.

SPIRIT

HEART

MIND

BODY

3351 E. Gans Road | Columbia, MO | ToltonCatholic.org | 573.445.7700 | Kristie Wolfe, President/Principal

74 \\\ APRIL 2016

ORGanizational HEALTH

›› Tony Richards coaches organizations into good health

Build Your Leadership Brand Even though it may not always seem like it, we can control the most valuable property we own: the space that lies between our ears.

How we analyze and interpret our experiences as they happen to us has everything to do with how we think about the things and people in our lives.

As leaders, we occupy a certain mental real estate position in the heads of our followers. We call it our leadership brand. Leaders who buy into this concept build better cultures; institute and execute change effectively; and produce more desired outcomes. Leaders who don't buy into it simply tell themselves, “Others are going to make up their minds about me and I can't control their views.”

Make no mistake about it — designing and implementing a leadership brand for yourself is challenging. It’s not as easy as making a list of the attributes you would like to have as a leader in the future. No, it requires you to look up from your daily busywork from time to time and ask yourself if what you are doing is congruent with who you want to be and how you would like others to see you.

This kind of introspection and reflection can fall right off your to-do list when the pressure is on and deadlines are approaching. You must come to the realization that the perceptions people have about you signal how they look at you and how they treat you in every interaction. With that in mind, surely we can agree it is well worth the time you invest in shaping and living your leadership brand.

Brands generally succeed because the consumer likes them, interacts with them, and wants to be associated with them. Think Nike or Under Armour, except in human leadership terms. In designing your leadership brand, here are some questions to keep in mind:

1. Where am I an expert?

You have some specialties about you. It is entirely possible that others see those more clearly than you do. Being known for your expertise is a strong brand characteristic. What is that expertise? Is it conflict management? Is it thinking skills? Is it strategy? Perhaps you are an optimistic confidence builder? You have a go-to move that works magic for people. Be known for it, and identify it for yourself.

2. What words describe how I want to make a difference as a leader?

Be proactive. Write down the words you would like to be associated with, words that make you different and valuable. When people think of these words, they think of you; when they think of you, they think

To n y R i c h a r d s

of these words. The only way you can make these associations happen is by identifying what they are and then “behaving into” those words.

You need reliable, improvement-oriented feedback on a consistent basis to make sure you are navigating in the direction of your envisioned leadership brand.

3. Is my behavior consistent?

This is the hardest part. People form their impressions of you based on what they see you do and their interactions with you. If you say you want people to see you as diplomatic and agreeable but you behave in an obstinate and argumentative way, how will you be branded? If your brand is going to depend on your emotions or what mood you are in at the time, it will be difficult to create a consistent leadership brand because feelings change rapidly. People like consistency in a brand; they want the same experience every time. When you are consistent, reward yourself. When you are not, remind yourself why you want consistency, and try again.

Developing and building a vision for your brand is the formative and somewhat easy part. The hard part comes when you have to live, practice and demonstrate it consistently. It is a worthy pursuit to try to own valuable and differentiated real estate in the minds of people who see you as a leader. It’s much more valuable when you can build that brand around expertise that is positive, reliable, enjoyable and consistent. CBT

➜ F o u n d e r o f C l e ar Vi s i o n D e v e l o p m e n t G r o u p columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 75

Introducing For your windows...

Call us for your free consultation & measure!

The Columbia content company youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always loved - now offering digital marketing services to the Mid-Missouri community.

Intelligent shades that simplify your life.

WEBSITES EMAIL TARGETED DISPLAY SEO SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS PPC PHOTO/VIDEO CONTENT

573. 499. 1830

jamie@businesstimescompany.com

A division of

76 \\\ APRIL 2016

105 Business Loop 70 E. | 573-449-0081 | MidMOFloorPros.com

City

›› Mike Matthes breaks down the business of government

So, Why a City Manager?

Almost three score and ten years ago (no kidding), Columbia voters discarded the political party system and adopted a council-manager form of government. In 1949, we were categorized as a city of the third class — meaning 3,000 to 30,000 citizens, much smaller than today — but experiencing post-World War II growing pains, as the G.I. Bill made it possible for so many Americans to get a college education. From 1940 to 1950, our population increased 75 percent, from 18,400 to almost 32,000 people.

67 years later, there’s cause to celebrate the foresight of our ancestors.

Their legacy, the council-manager form of government, is the foundation for the solid reputation and quality of life the city of Columbia and its citizens enjoy today. But why did they do it?

Those promoting “home rule” told voters: “If this proposed charter is adopted, control of the government of the city will be vested in its people rather than in the State Legislature. No longer will it be necessary to depend upon the General Assembly in Jefferson City for legislation to provide changes or improvements in our administrative organization … Any citizen will then be able to look into the charter to find the answer to his questions about the government of his city, instead of trying to find his way through a great maze of state statutes applicable to city government as at present.”

True enough, but there’s more to the story. In 1925, the home rulers tried but failed to get support for a charter. In 1948, they tried again, pointing out that the city property tax rate had increased from $0.63 per $100 assessed value in 1930 to $1.25 per $100 in 1948 (today it is $0.41 per $100 assessed value). That created more revenue, but not enough to support our water and light operating and debt expenses. The prospect of neverending rate and tax increases without accountability to taxpayers raised alarms, as it should have.

There also were concerns about “petty” political influences from too many elected officials, including lack of citizen voice and gross spending inefficiencies. Home rule promoters advocated for a council-manager form of government. Under that model, elected representatives set policy, hired a city manager to carry it out, and retained authority to release the city manager.

After a lively campaign, 55 percent of voters approved the home rule charter, with 4,319 ballots counted in favor of the proposition and 3,557 ballots counted against it. Although voters have amended the charter over the years, it still stands as one of our founding city documents.

The Columbia Charter Commission conducted at least part of their business on the second floor of the Metropolitan Building, the structure now home to Rally House, on the south side of Broadway near its intersection with Eighth Street.

M i k e M at t h es

I would love to know how Bill N. Taylor, Columbia’s first city manager, appointed in 1949, worked with the city council and employees to transition to the new form of government. Certainly, he could have consulted other communities for advice.

Staunton, Virginia was the first city to adopt the council-manager form of government, in 1908, and Excelsior Springs and Kansas City both adopted it in the 1920s.

Today, close to half of all U.S. cities with a population of 2,500 or more have a council-manager form of government. In these cities and in Columbia, a non-partisan, elected mayor and city council members share power and authority over policy making. No one has veto power.

Like a corporate board of directors, the council hires a CEO — the city manager — who reports directly to them, implements Council policy, has administrative responsibility for all programs and city employees, and serves at their pleasure. It’s basic good government.

And IBM’s 2011 study of the nation’s 100 largest cities revealed a “performance dividend” at work in well-managed communities. Places with city manager forms of government are nearly ten percent more efficient than cities with strong mayors. Those results signify that quality strategic and operation decisions matter more to a city’s success than do external factors like population, geographic size and economies of scale.

According to the study’s results, “The lack of exogenous factors driving efficiency levels is a curious result ... What the analysis does suggest, however, is that if those factors do impact efficiency, their impact is being masked by a much more important factor. And that factor appears to be management.”

Columbia’s performance dividend includes our current property tax rate (stable for years) of $0.41 per $100 assessed valuation. That’s two-thirds lower than the 1948 tax rate that drove people to the polls. Columbia’s share of your total sales tax is only two percent of every purchase, and half of that was approved by voters for parks, transportation and capital improvements.

With our city’s strong bond rating, balanced budgets, conservative fiscal policies and a collaborative city council attuned to engaged citizens, I’m always surprised when I hear talk of changing to a mayor-council form of government. I honor those Columbians who, 67 years ago, specifically dedicated their proposed charter “to the future citizens of Columbia.”

We’ve got a good thing that serves us well.

I invite you to learn more about how our city’s charter came to be by visiting our website at GoColumbiaMo.com and searching “Charter.” CBT I gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Toni Messina and Steven Sapp in writing this column.

➜ C i t y Ma n ag e r o f t h e C i t y o f C o l u m bia columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 77

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 79

Business Licenses

›› New Columbia upstarts

Primaris Holdings, Inc. 200 N. Keene St. Healthcare quality improvement Boone Country Millwork 2112 Vandiver Dr. Retail millwork Living Dirt Food Company 813 E. Green Meadows Rd. Personal chef, coaching and culinary classes The Atelier 1609 Chapel Hill Rd. Creative studio for children Ferguson Construction 2317 Tempe Ct. General contractor Marcelle Designs LLC 911 Bourn Ave. Custom art and cutting boards Samuel Excavating 651 Brook Valley Dr. Excavating, demolition, paving Joe Machens Toyota Scion 1180 Vandiver Dr. Automotive retail Forte Wellness Solutions 3600 I-70 Dr. SE Holistic therapy, FDA-approved electrostimulation TSL Refinishing 5900 S. Rangeline Rd. Refinishing countertops and bathtub/shower units Informed Solutions LLC 910 N. College Ave. Computer repair Rachel President LLC 4901 Aztec Blvd.

CPR instruction Dryer’s Shoe Store 7 N. Ninth St. Shoe store All Area Electric LLC 4501 Cedar Falls Lane Electrical contracting Columbia’s Epoch Escapes 2529 Bernadette Dr. Educational/morale team-building entertainment CBT 80 \\\ APRIL 2016

Deeds of Trust

›› Worth more than $417,000

$12,172,000 McLarty RE LLC Central Bank of Boone County LT 1 Begley Subdivision Plat 3 $5,194,309 Orr Street Lofts LLC Great Southern Bank LT 1 FF Rice & Quarles Sub $4,000,000 Phi Delta Theta Club of Columbia Missouri, The Landmark Bank STR 13-48-13 /NE/SW SUR BK/PG: 275/83 AC 3.83 FF W/ Exceptions $2,711,500 H M Investments of Columbia LLC Central Bank of Boone County LT 401 Perry Automotive Plat 4 $2,358,805 33 Broadway Investments LLC Central Bank of Boone County LT 1 John A Stewart Sub FF Worley Place $2,179,704 Tompkins Homes & Development Inc. Central Bank of Boone County STR 22-47-13//SE $1,901,485 Country Folks Enterprises LLC First Midwest Bank of Poplar Bluff STR 29-49-12 /NW/NW SUR BK/PG: 505/847 FF SUR BK 487/813 $1,700,000 River Birch Apartments West LLC Central Bank of Boone County LT 101 River Birch West Condominium

$1,210,000 Reynolds, Jared W & Nicole Rev Trust Commerce Bank LT 31A FF TERRAPIN HILLS $1,125,000 Tompkins Homes & Development Inc. Central Bank of Boone County STR 22-47-13 //SE $1,000,000 Bessy, Robert Eric & Kimberly P The Callaway Bank STR 11-47-13 SUR BK/PG: 1097/917 FF TRACT 19

428 Deeds of trust

were issued between 1/25 and 2/19 $484,395 Shindler, Jeri Lou & Phillip First Midwest Bank of Poplar Bluff LT 227 GATES PLAT NO 2 & 3 THE $477,000 Roberts, Terry D & Keri Michelle Cardinal Financial Company LP LT 240 Thornbrook Plat No 7

$447,236 Travis Block Construction Co LLC Hawthorn Bank LT 328 Creeks Edge Plat No 3

$960,000 Museao LLC Landmark Bank LT 7 OAK FOREST SUB BLK 3

$440,000 Frontgate of Columbia LLC Central Bank of Boone County LT 101 Copperstone Commercial Plat 1

$650,000 J A V Investments LLC Central Bank of Boone County LT F First Tier Condominiums $650,000 Dove’s Landing LLC Commerce Bank LT 1 Pop’s Place $525,000 Grellner, Michael & Karrisa The Bank of Missouri STR 29-47-12 /E/SW SUR BK/ PG: 3664/39 AC 80 FF W/ EXCEPTIONS $525,000 Jungmann, Brent & Gina Landmark Bank LT 225 GATES AT OLD HAWTHORNE PLAT NO 2 THE

Jared W. Reynolds, CFP®, CDFA™

$465,100 Skip & Daisy Family Trust, The Landmark Bank LT 49 Country Club Villas II

$1,000,000 Rock Quarry Properties LLC Starr, Russell A & Glenna Jean LT 101 POINTE AT ROCK QUARRY PARK THE

$908,500 Harper, Dennis R & Sara F Landmark Bank LT 5D HIGHLANDS PLAT 7

Carroll Wilkerson, CFP®

$425,123 Travis Block Construction Co LLC Hawthorn Bank LT 307 Creeks Edge Plat No 3

Meet The Retirement Team As a business owner, do you maximize your 401(k) contributions?

Are you aware of the fiduciary responsibilities of providing a 401(k)?

Do you know all of the fees charged to your 401(k)?

FIND A BETTER WAY:

$420,050 John Hansman Construction LLC Landmark Bank LT 102 Gates at Old Hawthorne Plat No 1 The $417,000 Drass, Joy C & Robert J III Providence Bank LT 458 Thornbrook Plat No 13 $417,000 Roark, Theresa J Flat Branch Mortgage Inc. LT 126 Woodlands The Plat 5A $417,000 Nagel, Carolyn J & Stephen T Central Bank of Boone County STR 30-50-13 //SW SUR BK/PG: 2613/33 AC 36.37 FF Tract A CBT

573.875.3939 • WRWEALTH.COM

The certification marks above are owned by Certified Financial Planner Board of standards inc. and are awarded to indiviuals who successfully complete CFP Boards initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Securities and Investment advisory Services offered through Waddell & Reed, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC and Federally Registered Investment Advisor. Waddell & Reed is not affiliate with Wilkerson and Reynolds Wealth Management 11/15

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 81

Member SIPC

Economic Index

›› It’s all about the numbers

Labor: January 2016 – Columbia, Missouri Labor Force: 67,597 Employment: 65,587 Unemployment: 2,010 Rate: 3 percent

Mark Richardson, CFP® Financial Advisor

January 2016 – Boone County, Missouri Labor Force: 100,002 Employment: 96,850 Unemployment: 3,152

Change doesn’t

always have to be hard.

Sometimes it’s smart.

Rate: 3.2 percent January 2016 – Missouri Labor Force: 3,111,552 Employment: 2,965,683 Unemployment: 145,869 Rate: 4.7 percent

Your life is always changing and consequently, so are your needs and preferences. As your trusted partner and advisor, it’s my role to ensure that your portfolio is reflective of your current financial goals.

Your personal needs and preferences are always at the center of our relationship.

January 2016 – United States Labor Force: 157,347,000 Employment: 149,037,000 Unemployment: 8,309,000 Rate: 5.3 percent

Construction: January 2016 Residential building

Mark Richardson ,CFP® 2415 Carter Ln Suite #104 Columbia, MO 65201 573.442.1276 mark.richardson@edwardjones.com 82 \\\ APRIL 2016

Value of commercial building permits: $1,040,000 Commercial additions and alterations: 12 Value of commercial additions and alterations: $1,015,000

Utilities: Water February 2016: 48,050 February 2015: 47,421 Change #: 629 Change %: 1.326 percent Number of customers receiving service on March 1, 2016: 48,046

Electric February 2016: 48,698 February 2015: 48,062 Change #: 636 Change %: 1.323 percent Number of customers receiving service on March 1, 2016: 48,688

Housing: January 2016

permits: 67

Single-family home sales: 96

Value of residential building

Single-family active listings

permits: $8,427,398

on market: 537

Detached single-family

Single-family homes average

homes: 32

sold price: $185,583

Value of detached single-

Single-family homes average

family homes: $7,495,000

days on market: 58

Commercial building

Single-family homes pending

permits: 15

listings on market: 139 CBT

By the Numbers

â&#x20AC;şâ&#x20AC;ş Boone County statistics

Single Family Home Sales per year in Boone County and best month Source: Columbia Board of Realtors

88.8 million Money directly invested in

$

Columbia on historic preservation Source: City of Columbia 2012 Study

YEAR

SALES IN YEAR

BEST MONTH

SALES IN MONTH

2011

1,514

June

188

2012

1,887

June

273

2013

2,130

July

299

2014

2,017

June

289

2015

2,205

June

321

Number of Demolition permits issued in Columbia Source: City of Columbia, Dept. of Community Development report

52 Number of Boone County listings

62

58

permits in 2015

on the Missouri National Register of Historic Places

45

permits in 2014

permits in 2013

Residential and Commercial building permits issued and valuation

Source: Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Source: City of Columbia, Dept. of Community Development report

544 Number of Columbia Board of Realtors members

Residential

commercial

YEAR PERMITS VALUATION

YEAR PERMITS VALUATION

2015

1,178

$218,812,104

2015

271

$121,687,541

2014

1,052

$227,367,340

2014

265

$120,071,137

2013

1,571

$198,235,099

2013

286

$97,428,318

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 83

Finally,

something

good in the fridge at work.

Do something nice for your employees. Sign up for our

BEER OF THE MONTH YOU PAY, WE DELIVER. What could be better than that?

Spring Into Action

Schedule your spring clean today!

To receive a discount, mention this ad.

Call Stephanie at (573) 256-1920.

Here’s what our clients are saying: “For nearly 30 years, my family has trusted Personal Touch to help us care for our home. Although the faces may change, the attitude, commitment and willingness to do a good job remain constant. Sue Riley and her staff have been completely responsible and trustworthy all those years.”

-Marilyn Hoecker CRAFTBEERCELLAR.COM/COLUMBIA

573-449-0242 DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA

AT NINTH & CHERRY

84 \\\ APRIL 2016

Does your home need a Personal Touch?

Office: 573.256.1920 www.personaltouchcleaningservicellc.com Like us on Facebook!

ON YOUR MARK. GET SET, Whoa.

The New 2016 Nissan Murano速.

Starting MSRP $29,560* *Model code 23116. Two or more at this price. See dealer for current offers and complete details

Class exclusive available predictive forward collision warning. Class exclusive available Around View速 monitor with moving object detection. Zero gravity seats. Unmatched overall hotness. There you have it.

JOE MACHENS NISSAN

201 NEBRASKA AVE., I-70 AND PROVIDENCE, COLUMBIA, MO 573-443-1660 | 877-305-1660 | MACHENS.COM

JOE MACHENS NISSAN PRE-OWNED CENTER 1717 N. PROVIDENCE, COLUMBIA, MO 573-446-5010

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 85

TOP B2B PRODUCT DELIVERY SERVICE

First Place: Culligan Water 1801 Commerce Court, Columbia, 573-874-6147, culliganmidmissouri.com Second Place: Major Brands

TOP HAPPY HOUR

First Place: 44 Stone Public House Second Place: The Roof

TOP ARCHITECT

First Place: Jennifer Hedrick Second Place: Nick Peckham

TOP COMMERCIAL BUILDER/CONTRACTOR First Place: Coil Construction Second Place: Little Dixie Construction

TOP REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER

First Place: Starr Properties Second Place: John Ott, Alley A Realty

TOP PLACE TO WORK

First Place: Veterans United Home Loans Second Place: Hawthorn Bank

TOP ENGINEER

First Place: Timberlake Engineering Second Place: Trabue, Hansen & Hinshaw Inc.

TOP ACCOUNTING SERVICE

First Place: Williams-Keepers Second Place: Accounting Plus Inc.

TOP CATERER

First Place: Hoss’s Market & Rotisserie Second Place: Bleu Restaurant & Catering

TOP STAFFING COMPANY

Second Place: The Insurance Group

TOP COMMERCIAL LENDER

First Place: Matt Williams, Landmark Bank Second Place: Drew Smith, Commerce Bank

First Place: Influence and Co. Second Place: Global First Responders

TOP WEB DEVELOPER

First Place: MayeCreate Design 700 Cherry St., Suite C, Columbia, 573-447-1836, mayecreate.com

First Place: JobFinders Second Place: Caroline and Co. Inc.

TOP CULTURE

First Place: Veterans United Home Loans Second Place: Murry’s Restaurant

TOP OFFICE DIGS

First Place: True Media Second Place: Woodruff Sweitzer

TOP BUSINESS WITH A COMMITMENT TO PHILANTHROPY First Place: Veterans United Home Loans Second Place: Joe Machens Dealerships

TOP JANITORIAL SERVICES

First Place: Atkins Building Services Inc. Second Place: Tiger Maids

TOP COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER Second Place: Delta Systems

TOP ADVERTISING AGENCY

First Place: Woodruff Sweitzer Second Place: MayeCreate Design 700 Cherry St., Suite C, Columbia, 573-447-1836, mayecreate.com

First Place: LG Patterson Second Place: Casey Buckman Photography

TOP EVENT LOCATION

First Place: The Tiger Hotel 23 S. Eighth St., Columbia, 573-875-8888, thetigerhotel.com

TOP PLACE TO HAVE A BUSINESS LUNCH

First Place: Murry’s Restaurant Second Place: D. Rowe’s Restaurant & Bar

TOP OFFSITE TEAM MEETING LOCATION

First Place: Logboat Brewing Co. 504 Fay St., Columbia, 573-397-6786, logboatbrewing.com

TOP COFFEE MEETING LOCATION

First Place: Kaldi’s Coffee Second Place: Dunn Brothers Coffee

TOP AMBASSADOR OF BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA First Place: Dave Griggs Second Place: Mary Ropp

TOP NEWBIE TO BUSINESS

TOP BUSINESS INSURANCE

First Place: Mike Messer Agency – Shelter Insurance 908 Rain Forest Parkway, Columbia, 573-442-5291, shelterinsurance.com/ CA/agent/mikemesser

TOP BUSINESS WITH INTERNATIONAL IMPACT

Second Place: Les Bourgeois Vineyards, 14020 W. Highway BB, Rocheport, 800-690-1830, missouriwine.com

TOP PLACE TO CLOSE A DEAL

First Place: Nick Hardy Second Place: Max Prokell

TOP CHAMBER VOLUNTEER

First Place: Wally Pfeffer Second Place: Michele Spry

TOP LOCAL TEAM-BUILDING EXPERIENCE First Place: Logboat Brewing Co. 504 Fay St., Columbia, 573-397-6786, logboatbrewing.com

TOP OLD-TIMER IN BUSINESS

First Place: Kat Cunningham Second Place: David Keller

TOP COMMERCIAL VIDEOGRAPHER

First Place: 44 Stone Public House Second Place: Boone County Title Co.

First Place: Spectrum Studios Second Place: Baker HD

TOP BANK

TOP HR FIRM

First Place: Boone County National Bank Second Place: Landmark Bank

Second Place: Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center

First Place: MoreSource Inc. Second Place: Accounting Plus Inc.

Second Place: The Canvas on Broadway

TOP IT COMPANY

First Place: Midwest Computech 311 Bernadette Drive , Columbia, 800346-8934, midwestcomputech.com

Second Place: Easy PC

9 questions

➜ 33 E Broadway Ste 200 573-881-0332 remax.com

›› Get to know your professionals

The Low Down on Real Estate John John, RE/MAX Boone Realty

2. What’s the most interesting way that development has changed in Columbia over the last 30 years?

Columbia is caught between a stagnant bureaucracy and fear of change.

It has become harder and harder to work with the city and the county.

The impact is that it takes more time and more money to do anything in town, and most of the locals are getting priced out. As projects get more expensive, homebuyers, tenants and shoppers get increases in the cost of living. What should be a slam dunk development becomes a nightmare.

3. What has most surprised you about the real estate market in Columbia in the last 10 years? People in Columbia think the city is growing fast, but it really isn’t. Other than student housing and university expansion, Columbia is growing very slowly. And, even with the university’s growth, it’s barely above the national average. We’ve attracted some university research but very little job-creating industries. We actually haven’t attracted very much manufacturing. If you don’t have an advanced degree, Columbia hasn’t done much to help.

F UN FACT: 88 \\\ APRIL 2016

4. Downtown development is a hot topic. How do you view the market specifically in downtown? Downtown is very small. Much of it is owned by government entities or religious institutions. What’s hot right now is between Broadway and the university from Stephens to Providence. As that builds out, interest will grow north of Broadway, towards Columbia College — between Orr Street from Sixth to Seventh Street.

Most towns our size have a dozen or so 8- to 10-story buildings in their downtown.

Columbia has had a hard time coming out of infancy.

7. As Columbia continues to grow, how will the city’s development or real estate needs change? I don’t see any major changes in development. From the government side, people need to understand we’re not a town of 40,000 anymore, we’re not living in the ’60s. So many of the Old Guard want us to return to their glory days. We need to look forward. One thing to watch for is the northeast, along I-70. That area will see a great deal of development over the next 10 years.

5. How would you describe the state of Columbia’s development market? According to almost every outside developer who has worked across multiple markets, Columbia is the most difficult market in which to complete a transaction. And we have built a national reputation of being difficult.

8. What role do you play during the development and construction process? I play a very small role after the real estate transaction. I facilitate, if needed, in referring providers of services like attorneys, engineers, contractors, etc. My role is to understand the issues that will occur and help the developer get the right property for what they want to do.

6. What’s most rewarding about your industry? With each transaction, there is a start and finish. You get to see a project completed, so you get a reward with each accomplished task.

Seeing new projects being built, old buildings being reused or repurposed — when I look at something like this, I can say to myself, “I was a part of that.”

9. What’s a favorite recent project you’ve worked on? Recently, I have been doing financial investment analysis on triple-net leases across the country for a purchaser.

The very specific criteria are making me review 100-plus properties.

It’s interesting because I get to do the analysis and I get to see the bigger picture. CBT

Photo by Ben Meldrum

1. What’s your specialty and why?

Columbia is too small to be overspecialized, but I tend towards investment properties. My background is finance, and I have a great deal of experience with determining a sound investment. Each investor has different needs, so it isn’t one-size-fits-all.

➜ I am learning to speak Welsh, as our son has married a native Welsh speaker. And in another life, I’d be a political cartoonist.

ADVERTISER INDEX 43Tc.........................................................................................................................................5 Accent Press.................................................................................................................70 Accounting Plus.........................................................................................................91 Anthony Jinson Photography.........................................................................49 Budget Blinds...............................................................................................................36 Caledon Virtual......................................................................................................... 22 Carpet One...................................................................................................................... 76 Central Bank of Boone County.......................................................................10 CenturyLink Yellow Pages.................................................................................. 78 City of Columbia Water & Light........................................................................14 CMSE Giving Gardens................................................................................................. 31 Columbia Art League............................................................................................... 76 Columbia Chamber of Commerce...................................................................... 4 Columbia Regional Airport................................................................................. 74 Craft Beer Cellar......................................................................................................84 Dave Griggs Flooring America.........................................................................70 Edward Jones................................................................................................................ 82 Equipment Share.......................................................................................................... 13 Father Tolton Catholic High School........................................................ 74 Foundation Recovery Systems...........................................................................3 Fresh Ideas Food.........................................................................................................86 GFI Digital............................................................................................................................9 Harold's Doughnuts...............................................................................................65 Hawthorn Bank...........................................................................................................92 Heart of Missouri United Way.............................................................................18 JobFinders.......................................................................................................................65 Joe Machens Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram....................................................... 15

Joe Machens Hyundai..................................................................................................7 Joe Machens Nissan..................................................................................................85 Joe Machens Toyota Scion.................................................................................. 72 Landmark Bank................................................................................................................2 Maly Commercial Realty.........................................................................................61 Maly Commercial Realty........................................................................................65 Maly Commercial Realty........................................................................................ 67 MayeCreate Web Design.........................................................................................20 Midwest Computech................................................................................................. 35 Missouri Dept. of Conservation.........................................................................6 Missouri Employers Mutual................................................................................44 Modern Litho/Brown Printing.........................................................................79 Moresource Inc.............................................................................................................11 Naught Naught Insurance Agency...............................................................26 Personal Touch Cleaning Service................................................................84 Socket................................................................................................................................26 Starr Properties.........................................................................................................36 State Farm Insurance - Stephanie Wilmsmeyer.....................................70 Superior Garden Center/ Rost Landscape..............................................89 The Bank of Missouri................................................................................................ 32 The Connection Exchange.................................................................................. 31 The Village of Bedford Walk............................................................................80 Tiger Scholarship Fund............................................................................................8 UMB......................................................................................................................................... 12 University Club............................................................................................................ 35 Wilkerson & Reynolds Wealth Management..........................................81 Wilson's Fitness...........................................................................................................16

columbiabusinesstimes.com /// 89

flashback

➜ Broadway Downtown Columbia

›› Columbia, then and now

By Brenna McDermott Photo by Ben Meldrum

Broadway has always been an integral part of the Downtown Columbia Historic District, one of the areas on the National Register of Historic Places.

This western view shows that, at one time, vehicles parked in the middle of Broadway.

A historic building of note is part of the original Stephens Publishing complex at 1020 to 1018 Broadway (on the left). According to ColumbiaHistoricHomes.com, it once housed the Columbia Missouri Herald and was built in 1892. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Columbia Missouri Herald was a weekly paper that began operations in 1870, according to the Library of Congress. The newspa-

per was created and published by Edwin William Stephens and the E.W. Stephens Publishing Company.

Stephens served as president of the board of curators for both MU and Stephens College and served as president of the Missouri Press Association. An excerpt from the Centennial History of Missouri said, of Stephens, “His vigorous style and his trenchant treatment of all things important, both local and statewide, in the Columbia Missouri Herald, made his influence broad and his ideas widely hearkened to.” The excerpt also lauded the Herald as “known for its editorial and typographical excellence as America’s model weekly.”

According to the Department of Natural Resources, the building is late Victorian style and is one of the largest 19th century buildings in The District. It sits at the corner of Broadway and Hitt. The building was once topped with a clock tower, which was removed during remodeling in 1972. The building includes an ornate bas-relief with a winged orb and sunburst, and tall, narrow windows.

The building is 13,000 square feet and is now owned by John Ott. Today, the building houses Strange Donuts, Seoul Taco and Günter Hans, with The Factory Lofts located on the second floor. The five Factory Lofts apartments were renovated in 2012. CBT

➜ We love Columbia business history. If you have any interesting photos and stories, please send them to Editor@BusinessTimesCompany.com 90 \\\ APRIL 2016

PAYROLL MADE

EASY! Friendly, professional, affordable.

Leave it all to us!

Come see us for your Business Accounting & Tax needs!

573.445.3805 | www.AccountingPlusInc.com 1604B Business Loop 70W | Columbia, MO Right across from Cosmo Park!

Columbia Business Times \ 2001 Corporate Place, Ste. 100 \ Columbia, MO 65202

Thank you, Advisory Board for keeping us connected to Columbia.

Š 2016, Hawthorn Bank

www.HawthornBank.com

NASDAQ: HWBK