RUST &MDSUMDNM MARTIN DEBUTS EXPANDED FURNISHING, DESIGN CENTER; NEW DEPARTMENT FEATURES UNSUAL GIFTS, ACCESSORIES

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Rust & Martin, Inc., a home furnishings and design center, opened Friday in new quarters at Mid City Business Center in Cape Centre.

The 26,000-square-foot structure is located adjacent to Route K and next to Applebee's Restaurant, which opened in the Centre last year.

The new structure, which features a state-of-the-art lighting system, is classical contemporary in style. Penzel Construction Co. was the general contractor for the new facility, with Tom Phillips the architect.

"We're excited about our new facility," said Harry Rust, president of the firm which has operations in Cape Girardeau, Columbia and Paducah, Ky. "We have added some new departments and the building complements the many specialized departments we had already."

One area of interest in the new building is its gift and accessories department.

"We feature gifts and unusual items which previously were limited to metropolitan areas," said Rust. "These are items suitable for anniversaries, weddings and other special occasions, priced to fit all budgets."

Included in the large gift department near the center of the store are ceramic bookends, figurines, and a variety of picture frames.

Another new department, located near the south entrance, is Karasten Gallery and Design, featuring floor coverings carpeting, marble, wood, ceramic, tile and area carpets.

The building has two entrances south and west. A feature of the west entry is a marble floor.

"Everything in the building is designed to show the public what we can do," said Rust. "We feature 12-foot ceilings in our settings, and this gives the illusion of even more height."

He added that more new homes, like their architectural ancestors, are going to higher ceilings.

The store's perimeter galleries include settings that feature a variety of decorative ideas for living rooms, family rooms, dens, and bedrooms.

"Some of the vignette settings feature carpeting," said Rust. "Others feature hardwood floors with area carpets, some oriental carpets and yet others feature tile floors. Each room settings also display window treatments."

One of the vignettes is a "Ralph Lauren" setting, featuring clothing, furniture and wall coverings.

"We are one of only two Ralph Lauren dealers in the state," noted Rust.

In another setting, what appears to be a decorative Coromandel screen actually is a home entertainment center.

"The Coromandel screens are a great decorating tool," said Rust, who pointed out that Rust & Martin do their own galleries.

"We make our own bedspreads, upholstery for furniture, area rugs, draperies, window curtains and accessories," he said.

A "lodge room" setting is another attention-getter.

"This showcases a country look," said Rust. "We feature all types of looks, from country to and including contemporary."

The new building includes a lounge area for employees and customers, fabric sample room and consultation room.

"Again, all of these areas are decorated to show what we can do with decorations and furnishings," said Rust.

The store's warehouse area, located on the east side of the building, towers above the rest of the structure with 30-foot ceilings, and commercial shelving from floor to ceiling.

"We can handle all of our warehousing in the same building," said Rust.

Michael Rust is manager of the Cape Girardeau facility. He and his wife, Tennie, reside in Cape Girardeau. They are parents of three children Ashley, Tanner and Bailey.

Rust & Martin opened a store in Columbia in 1975 and started an operation in Paducah in 1987. Stephen Rust manages the Columbia operation and David Rust manages the Paducah store.

Michael, Stephen and David are sons of Harry and Barbara Rust, who own the new building.

Rust & Martin originally was established here as a reupholstery shop on Broadway in 1933, by Wayne Rust and Bud Martin. Following Martin's death, Wayne Rust purchased his interest but continued the business under the name of Rust & Martin.

Through the years, Rust & Martin has added many departments that have made it the complete home furnishings center it is today.

Rust & Martin will hold a final clearance sale at its previous location, 760 S. Kingshighway, Monday and Tuesday from 7-9 p.m.

Harry Rust and Dennis Stockard formed a partnership to develop the Mid City Business Center in Cape Centre.

Applebee's Restaurant and Rust & Martin, Inc. are the first two businesses in the new development.

The Mid City Business Center is bordered by Route K on the north, Broadview on the west, and Cape Centre Drive to the south.

"We still have about three acres left for development," said Rust.

Additional details concerning development of the remaining three acres may be obtained from Stockard or Rust.