Virtual structure planned in hopes of bringing industry to Fort Scott

Plans for a virtual building are in the works to entice industries to come to Fort Scott

The Bourbon County Economic Development Council have partnered with Meyer Companies, Inc. of Lee's Summit, Mo., to design and market a spec building to bring new industries to Bourbon County.

According to BEDCO President Steve Buerge, an architect will design a 30,000 square-foot building which will include a preliminary site plan, floor plan, as well as a 3-D fly-by video of the building.

"It will be a virtual building," Fort Scott Director of Economic Development Dale Bunn said. "They won't build it until somebody comes."

Buerge said the architect prefers a concrete structure over a metal structure, however they will design one of each and provide a cost. The building will have the ability to expand to 100,000 square-feet if desired.

Meyer Companies, Inc. will also be in charge of promoting the building to potential buyers through the use of a sales staff, brochures, mailing lists, virtual tours, and other marketing materials. With the company promoting the building, Buerge believes Fort Scott will also see some benefits.

"That will help indirectly promote Fort Scott," he said. "That puts Fort Scott on the map and more people are aware of what we have."

According to Buerge, BEDCO previously approved the building of a spec building, however it never became a reality. He said they hope Meyer Companies, Inc. will help them head in the right direction.

"We really didn't have the funds, so we decided to hire an independent professional to advise us how to go about doing it," Buerge said. "We're all excited about it."

The only financial investment BEDCO will have in the project is the cost of the architect. According to Bunn, the City of Fort Scott's only financial investment is it's annual contribution of $33,750 to BEDCO. The actual construction of the building will be paid for by the company that buys it. Buerge said BEDCO will donate the land where the building will be placed in lieu of it's usual contribution of $2,500 per employee.

"BEDCO is not going to be out any money other than the architectural fee up front," Buerge said. "We're reluctant to go out and spend $1 million ... and let it sit there for 15 years."