CarMax plans used-car store in Prairie Crossing
CARMAX INC. is coming to Springfield as the national used-car retailer continues to add stand-alone stores nationwide.
Company spokeswoman Jennifer Curtis last week confirmed plans for a small-format store in the Prairie Crossing development, which already is home to a group of local dealerships. Curtis said a construction schedule and opening date have not yet been set. Permits at the Springfield Building and Zoning Department list the address as 2531 Chuckwagon Drive.
"CarMax identifies areas that reach customers not currently served by CarMax's unique experience," Curtis said, "so this location is a good fit for us."
The Springfield location will have approximately 20 employees and 140 vehicles, according to the company.
CarMax, based in Richmond, Virginia, has been adding retail stores to the company's traditional emphasis on Web sales, including the opening earlier this month of a store in Tallahassee, Florida.
The Florida opening brings the store total to 151 in 76 markets.
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Downtown Springfield Inc. continues to crunch the numbers, but events director Ann Frescura said last week that the organization expected to turn a profit on the inaugural DOWNTOWN BACON THROWDOWN & MUSIC FEST, held July 10-11. Paid attendance was more than 6,000, according to the downtown group. The bacon-themed competition replaced the old Taste of Downtown this year. Downtown Springfield Inc. is updating some events and replacing others as the organization continues to rebound from financial problems faced last fall.
The next new event, announced last week, is the Putt'N Party Golf Outing, which will feature golf holes at nine downtown bars on Aug. 29.
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A circuit judge has tentatively set Aug. 21 for resumption of the trial involving former Springfield Ald. Irv Smith and developer Dan Mulcahy and their dispute over the former FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH at Fifth Street and Capitol Avenue. Smith and Mulcahy purchased the former church last year with plans to renovate the building for commercial and residential space. Smith later sued to break up the partnership, alleging that Mulcahy had mishandled funds invested in the project.
The trial opened June 26, but Mulcahy has asked for postponements for health reasons.
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HOLIDAY DAY INN EXPRESS has come up with a different twist on renovation projects. The hotel at 3050 S. Dirksen Parkway is sponsoring an art contest for kids as part of renovation of the property. Categories include ages 3 to 6, 7 to 10 and 11 to 14, according to an announcement from the hotel.
Participants ages 3 to 6 should pick up three colorings at the hotel, while other age groups may pick up poster board at the hotel or use their own materials. Entries based on a hotel construction theme must be submitted by Aug. 9.
Submissions will be on display at the hotel, and guests will vote on winners in each category. Winners will receive a birthday party, including two rooms, pizza and cake. Additional information, including submission guidelines, are available from general manager Denise Krager at dkrager@cpspringfield.com or 615-5057.
New owners of Holiday Inn Express and the adjoining Crowne Plaza Springfield are updating both properties.
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St. Louis-based SCHNUCKS INC. has added Apple Pay, which allows customers to use their iPhone, Apple Watch or iPad to purchase groceries. An announcement indicated that the option was available at all 98 company stores. Schnucks has stores at 2801 Chatham Road and 1911 E. Sangamon Ave. in Springfield.
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MARLITE, a subsidiary of Springfield-based NUDO PRODUCTS INC., has an updated website, marlite.com. Nudo acquired the Delaware-based manufacturer of commercial interior panels early this year. Nudo, online at nudo.com, manufactures products for the building, architectural, transportation and sign industries.
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RENKEN DENTISTRY, 2801 Mansion Road in the Piper Glen subdivision, also has an updated website, renkendentistry.com. A link to the site helps support The Hope Institute for Children and Families in Springfield.
— Contact Tim Landis: tim.landis@sj-r.com, 788-1536, twitter.com/timlandisSJR. Listen to his WUIS/SJ-R business report Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning on WUIS 91.9 FM, 89.3 FM and WUIS.org, or online at www.sj-r.com.