YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Construction work is underway at the former Toys R Us building, as another retailer plans a move to the property.
At 1425 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield Business Journal yesterday observed the exterior of the building was covered by scaffolding and tarps.
Retailer Gordmans is the reason why.
“We’re moving into the old Toys R Us location,” said Gordmans spokeswoman Sydney Edens.
Edens said the company plans to open at the Battlefield Road site during the morning of March 21. Gordmans currently operates at 3303 S. Campbell Ave., a property owned by Walmart Inc., according to Greene County assessor records.
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce scheduled an 8:45 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony for Gordmans that day, according to its website.
Edens declined to confirm the reason for the move or what construction work has been completed at the Battlefield Road property. A Jan. 25 building permit identified Richard Werner of Werner & Associates Architects LC as applicant for the interior infill work.
The Springfield store closed in June 2018, when Toys R Us shuttered all of its locations.
Filings with the city of Springfield show three building permits for infill work totaling $77,000 over a month’s span in January and February. The property is owned by Finley River Realty Inc., a subsidiary of John Morris Co., according to the Greene County assessor.
The Springfield News-Leader was the first to report on Gordmans’ move.
Missouri State University’s science building, built in 1971 and formerly called Temple Hall, is being reconstructed and updated.