DECATUR - Decatur’s portion of the Highway 59 corridor is receiving a facelift, thanks to a new business scheduled to open today.
Stacy Brooks, owner of Foundation Insurance and Financial Services, acquired the old Corner Springs Automotive lot, across from Decatur Care for Kids, earlier this year. He has been busy on an extensive beautification project there and has completed the first phase of the renovation with the restoration of the Corner Springs Automotive office and garage.
The garage, which occupied the back one-third of the building was converted into a large office area. The front two-thirds consist of a large re-sectioned area, two offices and two bathrooms. The floors were stripped and a new combination of tile and carpet were laid. The interior renovation gives the building the look and feel of a modern small office facility.
The master plan for the property includes removing brush and a few trees to allow an unobstructed view of the business. This part of the project will take a few months to complete.
As for the old cinderblock building that stands a few yards from the office, Brooks plans a light restoration of the structure for storage, as needed.
A dilemma faced Brooks when he tore down the 100-year-plus old house that stood on the southwest corner of the property because of the deteriorating nature of the old structure - it was unsafe to occupy and beyond repair. The only part left standing was the chimney, creating the dilemma: Should he leave it standing as a historical marker or remove it as an eyesore?
“I would like input into the fate of this chimney,” Brooks said, adding that he has received two offers to remove and relocate the landmark.
Brooks grew up in Decatur and operated the Grand Insurance and Financial Services agency until Bill Lane took over the agency and moved it to Gentry. Brooks decided to start a new agency with a full-range of services in Decatur and in December made plans to open Foundation Insurance Co.
Once the agency is operational, Brooks expects to offer his clients educational workshops in financial planning.
Foundation Insurance and Financial Services operates as an independent agency licensed to sell in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Being independent will enable Brooks to offer his clients more options and a greater range of services to fit their needs.
Hard work, good personality and returning phone calls are key to serving customers and retaining their repeat business, Brooks said. And he plans to begin doing just that when he opens the doors of Foundation Insurance and Financial Service today, June 26.
News, Pages 1 on 06/26/2013