New owner plans bar, lofts in Culley's space downtown

The new owner of the downtown Springfield space that formerly housed Culley's Pub is planning to open a bar and create lofts at the Park Central West property.

Under SWM Real Estate LLC, Scott Morris on Nov. 15 purchased 309 and 311 Park Central West for $215,000 from Culleys LLC, owned by Herbert Watkins and family.

The 5,200-square-foot property is split between two buildings, which Morris said have been vacant for at least six years.

"Culley's, when I came here, was probably the hottest bar in town. It was always packed," Morris said, noting he moved to Springfield from Columbia about 20 years ago. "There's a lot of alumni, let's say, that probably want to see something put back in there."

Morris said he plans to name the bar and grill Falstaff Sports Bar, after the fictional Shakespearean character Sir John Falstaff and the now-defunct St. Louis brewery Falstaff Brewing Corp.

Morris said he is working with general contractor Mike Deam and architect Bates & Associates Inc. to open the bar in time for the Major League Baseball season, which starts March 31. Two doors down,  father-and-son Jerry and Derek Bumgarner opened Harbell’s Grill & Sports Bar in late 2011.

Morris also is planning to renovate the second floor of his property into two studio loft apartments.

Morris, a real estate agent for Murney Associates, has operated Billiards of Springfield for three-and-a-half years for its Columbia owner, Phil Spudich.

"I've been in the bar business off and on since I was 21. I'm 45; it's time for me to take my shot and see what I can do," Morris said.[[In-content Ad]]