Strip mall planned for Poplar Bluff intersection

Business Today

POPLAR BLUFF -- Three local entrepreneurs are bringing a new strip mall to the city. Ken McVey, Ken Maddox and Jerry Murphy have plans to build a mall on a 6-acre piece of land at highways PP and 67.

"We plan on putting up a modern looking facility that would have the appearance of something you would see in the big city, such as St. Louis or Kansas City," said McVey. "The size and configurations are not finalized as of yet."

Some tentative architectural renderings have been accepted by the partners. They have not decided what businesses will be located in the building, but the investor overseeing the project, Marquis Adams with McLane Investments, said he has had several offers from well-known national chains for leasing space.

The shopping center will be called the Park Place Commons.

"We want to provide a nice place for people in Poplar Bluff to come to," McVey said. "We will have reasonable rates so that everyone can afford to have a business and have a nice place to have their businesses. We felt there was a strong need in Poplar Bluff to bring in a newer looking facility."

The partners have dealings together in other businesses as well as individual businesses.

"We have each done projects on our own," McVey said.

Jerry and Sandra Murphy own Gamma Healthcare. Ken McVey is a local physician. Ken Maddox owns MACO Construction Co.

Construction on the facility is set to begin this spring with a projected finishing date for Phase I to be completed in mid to late fall.

PIC -- From left are co-owners Jerry Murphy, Sandra Murphy and Ken McVey, and Marquis Adams of Lane Investments. Not pictured is co-owner Ken Maddox. Photo by Sacha Champion.