Business & Tech

Former Gas Station Gets Overhaul in Old Town Eureka

One lot of historic Eureka's Old Town is getting a facelift. "Everyone I talk to says they are glad to see something done with the property," says the property owner.

A new insurance office is being created at 207 S. Central Avenue, in Eureka's Old Town area, out of an abandoned gas station location. 

Steve Parker, the local agent who heads the Shelter Insurance office at 350 S. Central Avenue in Eureka, is keeping the basic 40x40 feet structure of the former gas station, but having the overall look and grounds renovated.

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"The project is going great. It's exciting to see the remarkable improvement already, and I'm anxious to see the finished product. The roof is totally completed, and they should have the additional window openings cut," Parker said.

Parker said everyone he talks to says they are glad to see something done with the property. "When I first considered buying the property, I wanted to make sure it would be a positive addition to the downtown area," he said.

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"I'm also very proud that nearly everyone working on the project are my customers and local people. I think it's important to support our community."

Parker and his team hope to have renovations done by mid-June, but "are keeping their fingers crossed that they might be able to get in sooner." 

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Parker moved to Eureka from Conway, AR, and completed his 20th year as an agent for Shelter. He is a Missouri native, was a left-handed pitcher for the University of Arkansas, was drafted by the Chicago Cubs, and played in the St Louis Cardinals organization. He was Shelter's 2011 company agent of the year.

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