Missouri Organic Association in search of buyers for two historic Hartsburg properties
Olivia Hayes
HARTSBURG, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Missouri Organic Association is on the hunt for a buyer of two historic Hartsburg properties.
MOA was gifted the commercial buildings, known as the Hartsburg Grand and The Station in 2019. Jimi Washburn, President of MOA, told ABC 17 News they’ve already had some interest on the buildings. He said MOA hopes the buyers will honor the building and the community’s heritage.
“They have been restaurants, they’ve been a general store, there’s been a doctor’s office downstairs. In a 100 year old building there is a rich history,” Washburn said.
Dotty Manns and her husband built Dotty’s Cafe from the ground up, the building now being auctioned as “The Station.” Manns said the buildings represent memories of love and community.
“My husband and I opened in 1996, late 1996. We met so many different people and all the local people… it was great, we loved them. They turned into our actual family,” Manns said.
Missouri Organics Association has used the buildings over the last five years for their outreach and education initiatives.
“Education programing, we would have conferences, mini conferences, potluck dinners with a speaker from local universities in the farming community,” Washburn said.
Washburn believes the possibilities are endless with the space both buildings offer.
“We really want to have something operating in the buildings. It will be a continuous draw to the community rather than just a periodic event,” Washburn said.
Manns said people are always ready to eat, especially bikers from the nearby Katy Trail.
“Some days there would be 50 or 60 bikers. Some days there would be a whole day full of bikers coming from everywhere,” Manns said.
Dottie added that her cafe served customers from across the country because of the trail access.
“We’ve had bikers from New York, California, everywhere that come here to ride the Katy Trail,” Manns said.
Both properties are being auctioned off separately.
The window to place a bid for auction on both properties closes Tuesday at 2 p.m.