Open for Business: YMCA Ward Branch

YMCA, Ward Branch at 417 S. Jefferson held its grand re-opening Jan. 24. The four-story, 91-year-old building was built as a YMCA, said Cathy Rippe (pictured), membership and marketing director. General contractor for the $2.5 million renovation was MoDoCo Inc.; the architect was Sapp Design Associates Architects PC.

Two years ago the YMCA board said it wanted to either expand or move the facility, Rippe said. They wanted "to stay downtown with the revitalization of the downtown area, so that was the goal." From the ground up the 80,000-square-foot facility has a swimming pool, family whirlpool, ladies steam room and sauna, and refurbished locker rooms in the basement. On the first floor are two basketball courts and three racquetball courts; on the second floor is the weight room, a teen center and a three-story rock climbing wall that reaches the fourth floor; on the third floor is running track and cardio area. The fourth floor contains the YMCA corporate offices. "We have the same amenities that the Jones facility has, plus more, with the rock-climbing wall," Rippe said. There are about 100 employees at the Ward Branch. Regional 2003 revenues for the YMCA's two operations in Springfield, its Tri-Lakes branch in Hollister, its Bolivar location and Camp Wakonda were $5.6 million, she said. Revenue projections of $6.2 million are anticipated for 2004, she added. Money to offset the cost of renovation is going to be raised through a forthcoming capital campaign, she added. YMCA hours are 5 a.m.-9.p.m. daily.

Buxton-Kubik Interior is the interior design and architectural consolidation of designer Joyce Buxton and architect Brian Kubik. The firm opened Jan. 1 on the third floor of the Bradford Place Office Building at 1531 E. Bradford Parkway, Ste. 320. It operates out of 1,700 square feet and the office is about 95 percent complete, Kubik said. Previously, Buxton and Kubik worked for Pellham-Phillips-Hagerman Architects/Engineers. After their exodus from that firm, Buxton worked out of her home studio for about six years. Kubik worked for Sapp Design Associates Architects PC until August. In addition to Buxton and Kubik, the firm employs two interior designers and a design intern, Kubik said. Hiring plans for 2004 include the addition of another interior designer and a bookkeeper, he added. Target markets are providing infill products for retail outlets like strip centers, restaurants and office condominiums, Kubik said. Buxton-Kubik Interior is open 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Woodstone Builders moved its offices from 831 Brook Forest in Nixa to its new location at 435 E. South St. in Ozark on Jan. 5. For three years the company operated out of 500 square feet in owner Shannon McMurdo's home. It will now occupy two offices to accommodate the firm's one part-time and four full-time employees, said Kim Butler, office manager. Woodstone does custom homes and commercial construction, and works primarily in the Springfield, Nixa and Ozark areas. Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.