JOPLIN, Mo. —
Over the years, Silver Creek Galleria at the southwest corner of Interstate 44 and Range Line Road has slowly developed. It is now home to a strip mall, a Social Security office, two hotels, a couple of restaurants, a furniture store and an AT&T call center.
The original tract was about 165 acres. Of that, only 30 acres or so have been developed over the past two decades. The rest is mostly undeveloped. This is prime real estate because of its visibility from I-44.
Back in pre-recession 2006, a developer from Little Rock, Ark., explored the possibility of acquiring 80 acres for a big-box retail center. Nothing happened.
Progress has been slow, but that could be changing soon. I have confirmed with a reliable source that local interests have acquired an option on all of the undeveloped land in Silver Creek Galleria.
It’s not likely someone would do that without first lining up some parties who have expressed an interest in expanding their presence in the Joplin market. This is a potentially big development that certainly bears watching.
TABLE MESA BISTRO
Trying new restaurants that open in Joplin is one of the perks that comes with this job. This past week, the perk was exceptionally tasty.
I think it’s safe to say Table Mesa Bistro will become a welcome addition to Joplin’s upscale lineup of restaurants. The bistro, which is on the main floor of the Gryphon Building, 1027 Main St., opened two weeks ago for dinner. It is now serving lunch.
Table Mesa’s menu might be best described as an eclectic mix of flavors. I took some time to read the menu but chose to play it safe and order an appetizer of fried calamari, shrimp and artichokes. It is served with a spicy dipping sauce. For the entree, I ordered two enchiladas. One was beef, the other was spinach and portobello mushrooms.
If my memory serves me correctly, I think I was given a choice of three sauces for the enchiladas. I chose a red sauce, and I’m glad I did. Sometimes, the sauce used on enchiladas can be bitter or taste more like chili than an actual sauce. This had a smoky, almost sweet flavor.
The appetizer and entree were served promptly. My waitress was on top of her game. The tab came to about $20, which is a bit pricey for me, but you know what they say: “Quality costs.’’
What was most striking about Table Mesa was the surprising level of activity for a Thursday night. The bar was busy. Someone was having a birthday party in a private room. As openings go, things look very promising for Table Mesa.
PAJAMA DRIVE
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, 2330 S. Range Line Road, is having a pajama drive to benefit Lafayette House.
Anyone who donates new pajamas for women or children will get a free 3-ounce serving of frozen yogurt.
Donations will be accepted through Dec. 16. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
OPENING
U.S. Cellular is back in business in a new building at its former site at 1630 S. Range Line Road.
The storefront, which opened last week, is one of the company’s prototype stores. It’s the first store of its kind in Missouri and only the fourth prototype store the Chicago-based wireless company has opened across the country.
Tommy Arens, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Joplin, said, “We’re thrilled to bring this high-concept store to Joplin, built on the same site as our previous store, which was destroyed in the 2011 tornado.’’
The store has a 2,200-square-foot showroom and features interactive technology so customers can easily compare phones, features and plans. It also has a lounge area for a more comfortable shopping experience.
The store employs 16 people. It is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The store’s phone number is 417-439-7600.
U.S. Cellular had previously opened a temporary store location on East Seventh Street, which has been replaced by the new store.
If you have news about something happening on Range Line Road or Main Street, call 417-623-3480, ext. 7250; or send an email to wkennedy@joplinglobe.com; or send a fax to Wally Kennedy at 417-623-8598.
Local News
Wally Kennedy: Galleria development bears watching
- Local News
-
-
Old McDonald County Courthouse to hold grand opening celebration this weekend
As Jean Stratton-Bird made her way into the war memorial room at the Old McDonald County Courthouse on Thursday, she came face to face with the memories of her brother Eldon E. Stratton, who was lost in battle in 1943 during War World II. “He is finally home,” Stratton-Bird said.
-
Murder warrant issued in fatal domestic shooting
Police believe Doyle Handle shot himself after fatally shooting Dena Davenport during a domestic disturbance Thursday night at their residence in Grove. Officers responded to a 6:55 p.m. report of a shooting at the couple’s home on Wood Street on the southwest side of Grove and found Handle, 52, in the front yard with a gunshot wound to his jaw.
-
Local lawmakers review session accomplishments
Joplin area lawmakers cited accomplishments and disappointments in the just-concluded Missouri legislative session during a brunch Friday sponsored by the Neosho Chamber of Commerce. Measures benefiting veterans issues were addressed in the session that ended a week ago, along with work force and labor issues, lawmakers said.
-
Diamond High School band prepares for Liberty Bowl
Classes were winding down last week at Diamond High School, but not for members of the marching band. Instead, they dug out some new music and began their first rehearsals in preparation for their next major appearance — the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, which is scheduled for Dec. 31 in Memphis, Tenn.
-
Area pools ready for plunge; Schifferdecker opening still to be announced
Though this week’s mild temperatures may not signal swim season, most area pools are ready anyway. And, the mercury should rise a little this weekend to help those anxious to dive in. Highs will be in the low 80s today and Sunday. There is a chance for isolated thunderstorms on Monday, but the thermometer should hit 82 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
-
Joplin School Board decision could take up to two weeks; Turner remains on paid leave
It could take up two weeks for the Joplin Board of Education to decide whether Randy Turner’s teaching contract should be terminated, the school district’s attorney, John Nicholas, said Friday.
-
Joplin insurance agent seeks donations for Moore, Okla.
After losing an office building and her home in the tornado on May 22, 2011, Loretta Bailey is familiar with the destruction that a tornado brings. The 400 households that her insurance agency helped through the aftermath of the tornado also know that loss. \
-
Families, friends invited to honor veterans with flags this weekend
Small lengths of plastic pipe have been installed behind the headstones of veterans graves in Joplin cemeteries so that every veteran will have a flag on Memorial Day.
-
Events, activities planned to honor veterans Monday
No ceremonies are planned at Joplin cemeteries this year or at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City, but a number of other events are scheduled in cities around the region.
-
Oklahoma gets far more than its share of disasters
Many states get hit frequently with tornadoes and other natural catastrophes, but Oklahoma is Disaster Central.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Old McDonald County Courthouse to hold grand opening celebration this weekend
