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Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

By MIKE CONLEY
Jul 4, 2019
Jul 4, 2019 Updated Jul 8, 2019
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Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

MIKE CONLEY/MCDOWELL NEWS

The Larry D. Miller Business Complex, located in the former Rock-Tenn plant building along Logan, West Henderson and Burgin streets, is taking shape as a future indoor mall and events center. These banners on the outside wall advertise the businesses that are either already in the complex or are planning to move into the 110,000-square-foot building. Chad Marsh, vice president of both GEM Construction and Miller Realty, said eventually the outside wall will be resurfaced and a new entrance will be built. He added these banners will be removed because a new electronic sign will be installed.

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

MIKE CONLEY/MCDOWELL NEWS

Chad Marsh, vice president of both GEM Construction and Miller Realty, stands in the front entrance to the Larry D. Miller Business Complex. He is surrounded by metal framework which will become the walls for the entrance hall and the new businesses planning to move in there. The front entrance will be totally redone and a kiosk will be placed at the entranceway. It will direct the public towards either the shops or businesses on the left or towards the Municipal Events Center (MEC) on the right.

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

MIKE CONLEY/MCDOWELL NEWS

Chance of Sprinkles Bakeshop was one of the first businesses to move into the complex and it is the first one you see when you walk through the front door on the West Henderson Street side. Owner Renee Arrowood said this month she is celebrating her sixth year of operating her bakeshop.

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

MIKE CONLEY/MCDOWELL NEWS

As at her previous locations, Renee Arrowood with Chance of Sprinkles Bakeshop makes and serves up an assortment of cupcakes, brownies, pastries and specialty coffees. As before, she has ice cream and milkshakes of all kinds of flavors. She also creates and decorates cakes for all types of special occasions. At the new location at the Miller Complex, Chance of Sprinkles Bakeshop has added protein shakes and smoothies to the menu, which are favored by the folks working out in the fitness centers next door.

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

MIKE CONLEY/MCDOWELL NEWS

The new location at the Miller Complex gives Chance of Sprinkles Bakeshop more room for customers young and old. It has a seating area where children can enjoy games and movies while they eat their cupcakes or ice cream.

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

MIKE CONLEY/MCDOWELL NEWS

Right next door to Chance of Sprinkles is the new McDowell Fitness Center, which opened only a couple of weeks ago on Friday, June 21.

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

MIKE CONLEY/MCDOWELL NEWS

The McDowell Fitness Center, owned and operated by William and Misty Morris, has numerous treadmills, exercise equipment, cardio machines, tanning beds, weights and lots of space for anyone to build up their strength and become more physically fit.

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

MIKE CONLEY/MCDOWELL NEWS

On Monday afternoon, the McDowell Fitness Center had numerous patrons who were busy working out and using the exercise equipment.

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

MIKE CONLEY/MCDOWELL NEWS

Another new business inside the Miller Complex is the Inside Out Boxing & Fitness Club where you can “test your limits/train to be limitless.”

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

MIKE CONLEY/MCDOWELL NEWS

Inside Out is owned and operated by Greg Withrow and Matt Strode is a boxing pro available on site to help people get trained. This is a different kind of fitness center and is affiliated with the U.S. Amateur Boxing Association.

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

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Inside Out has a full-size boxing ring, punching bags of different sizes and all kinds of exercise equipment. There are different classes available for children, teens and adult women and men.

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

MIKE CONLEY/MCDOWELL NEWS

The Miller Complex is also the new home of FAB Physique, which offers one-on-one personal training. Owned by Wendy Allen, FAB Physique was previously located in an upstairs section above the office of Rhonda Silver Real Estate Group.

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

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The Municipal Events Center has so far hosted Marion Comic Con, a boat and RV show, numerous wedding receptions, the Rotary Club of Marion’s annual auction and the McDowell Chamber of Commerce’s banquet (pictured).

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

MIKE CONLEY/MCDOWELL NEWS

Inside the 110,000-square-foot facility, there is metal framework and stacks of sheetrock ready to be put in place for the new businesses planning to move in there.

Miller Complex seeks to become ‘economic and social anchor’ for downtown Marion

MIKE CONLEY/MCDOWELL NEWS

The old restrooms in the hallway outside the MEC have been totally renovated and are now accessible for those with disabilities.

By MIKE CONLEY

In downtown Marion under one roof, you will find a new fitness center and a new boxing gym as well as the larger and improved homes for established businesses like Chance of Sprinkles Bakeshop and FAB Physique Training Studio. In the near future, other entrepreneurs are expected to set up shop inside this 110,000-square-foot space and help transform a former plant building into a modern indoor mall and events center.

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