R.P. Lumber, 1198 Shapiro Drive, in Festus will expand its operation, taking in 1.88 acres in the planned unit development under construction next to the Lowe’s store.
The lumber company doesn’t plan to enlarge its building, but instead will use the extra property to house sheds, said Jennifer Frazier, marketing manager.
“The sheds will house some products like lumber and shingles,” she said. “I think (the first shed) will be built relatively shortly.”
Larry Goodwin of Crystal City is the developer for the 50-acre complex on the southern end of Shapiro Drive, which abuts R.P. Lumber.
The first business to open in the development was a KFC restaurant, which opened Dec. 1.
Frazier said R.P. Lumber, which was established in 1977, has stores in about 70 communities in Missouri and Illinois.
She said the store isn’t just for people in the construction industry.
“Our focus for 2019 is do-it-yourself,” Frazier said. “I just want people to know that they can shop there.”
According to the company website, R.P. Lumber is a full-service retail home center and building materials supplier, offering kitchen cabinets, paint, windows, doors, hardware, plumbing, drywall, electrical and other products.
R. P. Lumber, headquartered in Edwardsville, Ill., took over the Festus store in 2017 when the company bought the building from Festus Lumber, Frazier said.
The Festus R.P. Lumber has 13 employees, she said.
Goodwin’s plan for the development includes commercial; light industrial and manufacturing; retail; and food services on 12 to 13 lots covering the 50 acres south of Hwy. A and on the west side of I-55.
