Open for Business: Urban Studios

Urban Studios
Urban Studios LLC, a natural light photography studio and pop-up event space, opened Jan. 14 at 431 S. Jefferson Ave., Ste. 107, in Wilhoit Plaza. Rafael Vite Fuentes, who co-owns the business with Asantae Haanstad and Miguel Rivera, said they saw a need to provide more options to photographers, freelance content creators and business owners for a studio space with natural lighting in downtown Springfield. Vite declined to disclose startup costs or the three-year lease rate with Wilhoit Plaza LP. At the 480-square-foot studio, photographers can use backdrops, props, furniture, lights and equipment. Prices range $50-$265 for rental times from 30 minutes to four hours, according to the website. Time bundles for longer rentals also are offered. Aside from Urban Studios, Fuentes is founder of digital marketing agency Primate Digital LLC, for which Rivera also works as its social media manager, according to its website. Haanstad is a photographer for Primate Digital, as well as owner of Asantae Photography.
Phone: 417-413-3114
Web: UrbanStudioSGF.com

The Old Glass Place
The Missouri State University Foundation on Feb. 1 became the new owner of event venue The Old Glass Place LLC. The MSU Foundation Board of Trustees gave approval for the $1.75 million purchase of the downtown Springfield space at 521 St. Louis St., said Brent Dunn, the foundation’s executive director. He said Al Miller and Roger Malarkey, the venue’s former owners, donated furniture, fixtures and equipment to the foundation as part of the deal. The venue is managed by 425 Downtown LLC and remains available to the public to rent for banquets, parties, meetings, weddings and other events. 425 Downtown, an events and catering company, operates a venue at 425 W. Walnut St. Dunn said the MSU Foundation gets an undisclosed percentage of proceeds from events booked by 425 Downtown. The Old Glass Place, which opened in 2014, spans 12,000 square feet and has a maximum capacity of 551 people, said MSU spokesperson Nicki Donnelson. The MSU Foundation also owns and operates the school’s Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center.
Phone: 417-501-8035
Web: TheOldGlassPlace.com

Flat Creek Bolivar
Polk County’s dining scene expanded with the March 7 opening of Flat Creek Bolivar LLC. The restaurant, which also operates in Cape Fair and Republic, launched its $2.8 million Bolivar eatery at 730 E. Aldrich St. Thane Kifer and Drew Kifer of Bolivar-based Pinecone Holdings LLC were lead developers for the restaurant. The building is owned by a consortium of investors and leased to Flat Creek owner-operators Alan Kram and Josh Rasmussen. Rhodes Construction Co. LLC was general contractor for the 8,814-square-foot Bolivar restaurant designed by H Design Group LLC. General Manager Nick Hurshman leads a staff of 85 at the restaurant, according to officials, who also said the company plans to open a fourth Flat Creek in the spring. A late April or early May opening is expected for the 9,500-square-foot restaurant in Webb City. The Bolivar menu mirrors Flat Creek’s other locations and includes catfish, fried chicken, hand-cut steaks and sandwiches. Combination plates range $24-$39.
Phone: 417-326-1190
Web: Facebook.com/FlatCreekRestaurants