You may have noticed work going on at PRO Plaza, formerly known as the McDonald Building on First Street in Parsons.
Parsons Revitalization Organization (PRO On Trac) has been working on renovating the first floor of the building. Frank Roberts, local contractor, is doing the renovation which will include two business spaces. “We were glad to get Frank’s bid. He does excellent work, and he’s glad to see the building saved, ” commented Jimmy Judy, President of PRO/On Trac.
Cindy Kolsun, Executive Director of PRO/On Trac and a member of the Parsons Blueprint Community Team exclaimed , “we are extremely excited to see this building come alive again! We are looking for two renters who will open shop in the heart of Parsons. Through the Blueprint Community surveys that were conducted this past year, the community indicated the number one business they would love to see in Parsons would be a coffee shop, but there are many other businesses the Parsons Community will support.”
The City of Parsons has demolished the old “Jack the King Building” next door, and that area will become a pocket park. The City, PRO, and the Blueprint Community have received a design grant from the Mills Group for the park.
According to Jason Myers, City Administrator, “this pocket park will included a pergola, an outside pavilion, which will be purchased from a Blueprint Community Grant that was obtained. When the city, non-profit organizations, and the citizens work together, we can leverage opportunities for our community. There are some grant funds that cities are eligible for, while other grant opportunities are awarded to local non-profits only. And, we’re looking for other local sponsors to assist with the park.”
Renovation on the PRO Plaza 1st Floor should be completed in early 2021. If you’re interested in starting a business in this area, please let PRO know. PRO may be able to connect you with possible funding for your business or assistance with writing a business plan with partners currently working with the Blueprint Team.
