Stephen Breathes New Life into Downtown

The town of Stephen is getting some new life in its downtown. The Economic Development Authority there has teamed up with private donors to construct a building to house four new businesses.

The building was built on empty lots on main street last summer. Businesses that purchased space would be required to finish the inside, in a way it would suit their business. With an option to use low-interest EDA loans to complete them. Within a few months three of the four spaces have been purchased and businesses are operating. The businesses include an insurance company, a massage and tanning business and Stephen's first commercial gym. The owner of 5th Street Gym Jeremy Clow says opening a gym provides an opportunity that people might not have normally have in a town the size of Stephen. Clow says he has always wanted to open a gym in Stephen but couldn't find available space. And this new project has given him that opportunity.

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