Land supply dwindles at 65-and-14 intersection

Twenty years ago, retail growth in Ozark expanded beyond downtown to the intersection of highways 65 and 14.

The area is now home to several businesses including Wal-Mart, Campbell Ford & Mercury Inc., a large strip shopping center, several large antique malls, a variety of restaurants, hotels, service stations and even a campground.

Meanwhile, a lot of new commercial growth is occurring in north Ozark at the intersection of highways 65 and CC/J.

"It's almost like two towns Ozark and North Ozark," said Gregg Stancer, managing broker for CJR Commercial Group in Springfield.

"Ozark is running out of land at 65 and 14. It will be difficult for that area to grow," Stancer said.

"There are very few sites left at 65 and 14. And just south of that, you're at the Finley River, and that's not where the residential growth is. Springfield and Ozark are growing together where there are utilities and services," he added.

At the northeast quadrant of the 65-and-14 intersection, several new businesses have been built in the last few years, including Village Inn, Mitchem Tire & Wheel, KFC, Mexican Villa's El Taco and the Stone Ridge Office Center.

A Dairy Queen restaurant is being constructed north of Burger King at North 17th and Diane streets.

The 2,425-square-foot fast-food restaurant, being built by general contractor Royal Construction Co., should open April 24, according to Ed Leonard of Dairy Queen.

Just up the hill from Dairy Queen, the new home of Dennis Hanks Chevrolet-Olds is taking shape on 4.5 acres at 1020 N. 18th Street, the east outer road, north of Days Inn.

Now located at 802 W. Jackson (Highway 14), the dealership's new location should be complete in June, according to Hanks.

The building is 31,500 square feet on the main floor plus a 4,000-square-foot second floor storage area and a 4,000-square-foot covered showroom outside. Bell Building Systems Inc. is the general contractor.

"This is a good location. There is good visibility and good access," Hanks said.

"Hopefully, that outer road will go north and connect to CC someday and be that much better," he added.