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Owner believes new Fort Scott laundromat necessary for area
For some area residents, typical household chores include loading up once or twice a month and driving to a nearby town in order to launder their families' dirty clothes.
However, in the near future, families will not need to take such drastic measures to keep their clothes clean. According to Greg Schick, of Golden Arrow Corporation, Fort Scott, residents will soon have access to a local, top quality and energy efficient laundromat.
About two years ago, Schick said he began planning the construction of a new laundry facility in Fort Scott. The planning phase of Schick's Five Star Laundry, located on the corner of Cameron and Wall Street, began even before he heard about the previous laundromat's closing. Especially since the former laundry business, Suds Yer Duds, closed in June of 2007, area residents who do not have washers and dryers at their residences really need a local facility they can use, Schick said.
"No doubt there is a definite need for it," he said.
According to Schick, the new business should be available for use by the end of August if everything goes as planned. One determining factor is the arrival of the new business' equipment. Schick said he is still waiting on some of the appliances to be delivered, late deliveries could delay the facility's opening date.
Once open, the Five Star Laundry's customers will be able to wash and dry their clothing in an air-conditioned facility, which will be furnished with 18 washing machines of varying sizes. The smallest washing machine, Schick said, will be the same size as a household machine. The biggest washer will have the capability to wash five times the amount of clothes regular machines can wash. The laundromat will also contain 13 large capacity dryers and folding tables. In addition, residents will have access to a pop machine and a vending machine while they are using the facility. Schick said, at this time, he is researching the possibility of having wireless Internet available for his customers.
According to Schick, the price per load of laundry will be comparable to the previous laundromat. Also, the facility will have an attendant on the premises most of the time to assist customers should they have any questions. Five Star Laundry customers will be able to access the facility's drop-off laundry service Monday through Friday.
When asked why he was constructing the laundry facility on Wall Street, Schick said he wanted to build something on the east side of town.
"I like Wall Street," Schick said. "It is a good place for a business."
Schick said the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan was also a contributing factor to the location he chose for the business. Adding that he enjoys completing projects which work for the betterment of the surrounding neighborhood. Schick chose the former H and R Block building partially because it was already zoned for commercial business. After purchasing the building, Schick said he completely gutted the inside of the building and replaced the roof. A building, which used to be an eye sore for the surrounding neighborhood, now has a fresh new look, Schick said.