Open for Business: Jack Ball and Associates

Jack Ball & Associates moved to its newly renovated office space Nov. 14 at 444 S. Campbell Ave. Chris Ball (pictured), owner and president of the architectural firm that was founded by his father Jack Ball, purchased the downtown building in June for $200,000 and invested $300,000 in renovations. The firm moved from 220 E. Chestnut Expwy. "We had been looking for several years for a building downtown that we could renovate to meet our needs," Chris Ball said. Ample parking the firm has 26 spaces on site and proximity to downtown restaurants solidified the purchase. "It was a unique opportunity to design and build our own space," he added. The building renovations include two 1,400-square-foot apartments in the rear of the building, which are available for lease. The new office space is 4,400 square feet.

Dentist Marcia L. Preston, DDS, opened Preston Family Dental Nov. 6 at 604 E. Elm St. in Republic. The practice focuses on families and has a child-equipped waiting room, said Judy Pittman, office administrator. It is open 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m.

An authentic Italian restaurant called Saucy! opened for business Dec. 9 at 3027 E. Sunshine St. Its dishes, which range in price from $5 to $10, are influenced by The Hill St. Louis' Italian district, said restaurant chef Tim Holthaus. Holthaus, the former Ott's Pasta franchisee, also serves as the managing partner for the restaurant's owner Saucy Investments LLC. The restaurant is open 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week. The 1,300-square-foot space seats about 25.

Family Pharmacy and Linda's Flowers, two independently owned Springfield businesses, opened Nov. 9 inside Summer Fresh grocery store at 220 W. Plainview Road. It is Family Pharmacy's 11th area location; the grocery location has a drive-through window and delivery service and is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Lynn and Janet Morris started the pharmacy in 1977. The Summer Fresh location is Linda's Flowers second full-service location and is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Karl Jones owns the florist shops.