Open for Business: aAa antiques

A new antique shop called aAa opened July 1 at 306 E. Commercial St. Owner Niel Robinson said the name stands for art Antiques accessories. The business specializes in 19th and 20th century American and European furniture, art and antiques. Business hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or by appointment.

The Springfield Regional Opera reopened downtown on the second floor of 400 South Ave. Aug. 1, 10 months after a fire destroyed its offices there. The opera relocated its offices to 1433 E. Republic Road while repairs were made. Executive Director Susan Brummell said the South Avenue building's third floor had to be entirely redone, and the first and second floors had water damage. The Sept. 9 fire started from faulty air conditioners, she said. The 2002-2003 season begins Oct. 4 at the Landers Theater.

Springfield's Incredible Pizza Company opened Aug. 1. The $6 million pizza buffet and family entertainment center comprises 40,000 square feet at 2850 S. Campbell Ave. Incredible Pizza Co. caters to children with a playground area, miniature golf course, bumper cars, indoor go-karts and arcades. For parents, the dcor takes on a 1950s theme with a 1957 Chevy, drive-in movie theater and four family-room dining areas. Owner Rick Barsness hopes to attract 17,000 customers each week.

WMC Mechanical Inc., an industrial piping contractor, relocated its office and shop July 22 to 1820 N. Nias Ave. The company previously shared space with a client, Clariant LSM Inc., at 2460 W. Bennett St., "because they were very happy with our work," said president and founder Jim Waneka. Its largest client is 3M, he said. WMC Mechanical also performs commercial HVAC work and employs about 30 individuals. It has been in business more than two years.