Branson businesses develop commercial subdivision

Principals of Meek’s Building Supply, L&J Plumbing and Loyd’s Electric are developing High Road Plaza, a commercial subdivision near the Ozark Mountain High Road and Highway 65 interchange.

Terry Meek, president and CEO of Meek’s; Jeff Justus, president of L & J; and Phillip Loyd, president of Loyd’s, formed High Road Plaza LLC June 25, 2004, and began construction to relocate their businesses.

Loyd’s opened June 6 at 838 Stonetree Drive, Meek’s opened June 15 at 155 Stonetree Drive, and L&J opened July 5 at 745 Stonetree Drive.

Twelve lots, at an average size of 1.5 acres each, remain, and Meek said the trio will begin marketing the lots for sale within 30 to 60 days. A Realtor has not yet been selected, and prices have not been determined.

“We’re hoping to attract other suppliers in the construction industry – people like carpet companies … and maybe a furniture company,” Meek said.

The businesses were among 16 the city of Branson bought out for $12.8 million to open the door for Branson Landing. Loyd’s Electric Supply received $3,091,888 for its property at 117 E. College. Meek’s received $2,498,005 for property at 412 S. Sycamore. And L&J Plumbing received $1,725,277 for 208 S. Sycamore.

“We knew that was a possibility, and we were not disappointed,” Meek said of leaving the site his company had occupied in Branson since 1953. “What’s good for Branson is good for us.”

Meek’s $1.75 million new facility includes a 13,000-square-foot store, three warehouses, a drywall shed, a roofing shed and a lumber shed, said Rick McKie, Meek’s director of marketing.

Meek’s also is experiencing growth elsewhere in Missouri. The Springfield-based company recently acquired Rand Lumber, 103 McKinnon St. in St. Robert.

“St. Robert opened in October, but we had extensive remodeling to do,” McKie said. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held July 13.

Meek’s, founded in Lockwood in 1920, now has 45 stores in Missouri, Arkansas, California and Nevada.

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