From the Ground Up: HMI Fireplace Shops

General contractor: Wil-Mar Investments LLC

Architect: Michael Van Baal (Wichita, Kan.)

Engineers: Roseland Engineering, civil

Size: 10,000 square feet

Estimated cost: $800,000

Lender: Metropolitan National Bank

Estimated completion date: December

Project description: This store will replace the HMI Fireplace Shops that has operated since 1992 at 1873 N. Highway CC in Nixa, according to company founder and president Norm Buechting. The new building will more than double 4,000 square feet at its existing store. HMI was established in 1975 and is based in Osage Beach; it also has a store in Rolla. HMI deals in hearth products, cultured stone and central vacuum systems.

Reporter Cory Smith brings you new projects each week. He may be reached by e-mail at csmith@sbj.net, by fax at (417) 799-0603 or by phone at (417) 616-5854.