Hotel possible near new Drury Inn

As Cape Girardeau broker Tom Kelsey puts it, this may be the year for demolition and redevelopment projects on the city's west side.

We've already seen the Holiday Inn come down. (Isn't it strange to see that big, empty space?) There's also the 180-room Drury Inn & Suites blueprinted for Interstate 55 and Highway 74. Not to mention that those hotel projects also are promising at least eight new restaurants along the interstate.

Now Kelsey has announced another new project by businessman Earl Norman for that part of town. Two older commercial buildings that Norman owns -- the former Health Services Corp. of America and the former Dialysis Center -- were torn down last week at I-55 and Bloomfield Road.

The prime, high-traffic spot, along with eight adjoining acres, is being cleared to make way for a development that Kelsey feels would be best used as a retail spot, an office development or -- yes -- even another hotel.

In fact, Kelsey said there has been interest expressed by each of those sectors.

"But we're staying real flexible," Kelsey said the day before Thanksgiving. "With all the growth out here in that area, it's gotten to the point that there's some redevelopment of some previously constructed buildings to make way for better and bigger projects."

Kelsey said he's not on the verge of announcing anything, but there already has been a good deal of interest.

"It's speculation, but with the way things are moving along, I think there would be something in place there within the next year or two," he said.

Phoenicia for sale: Phoenicia restaurant on Sprigg Street is open but for sale. Emad and Mimi Salamy have owned the Cape Girardeau eatery for 12 years and say they hope the person who buys it keeps it open. They plan to move once it sells.

But for their customers, the Salamys have finished their cookbook, for which they took off several months over the summer to write. The book of Lebanese recipes is called "A Taste from the Land of the Cedars" and can be picked up in the restaurant.

Let the healing begin: Conscious Healing, a natural health and wellness center, is opening today at 106 Farrar Drive, Suite 103.

The center, which is owned by Jacqui Close, offers aromatherapy, massage, food supplements and oils. In fact, Close said she is one of fewer than 100 registered aromatherapists in North America.

So who's the center aimed at?

"Anybody who is looking to improve lifestyle, their health and well-being," Close said. "Anyone who would like some help in dealing with stress and pain and anxiety."

Bigger Pyramid: Pyramid Clinical Services announced last week that it has acquired Occupational Medical Services at 21 Doctors' Park in Cape Girardeau.

PCS now can offer a spectrum of occupational medicine and family practice through the medical oversight of Dr. Ken Asher and Ron Inman, FNP.

In addition, PCS will continue to provide mobile drug and alcohol screenings as a well as a wide array of medical screenings.

Hollister: Hollister, the Gen Y division of Ohio-based Abercrombie & Fitch, opened recently at Westfield Shoppingtown West Park.

Scott Moyers is the business editor for the Southeast Missourian.