Karen Brinkmann has long considered the need for a community family event and youth center and has started a project to build the home of Hillbilly holl3r, which will be known as the Wagon Wheel, began June 8 on her property near Hope.

“Our youth need a safe, fun place to hang out and this will be a great option,” she said. “When I was a teen, everyone went to the bowling alley in Jefferson City. There's nothing here for the families and youth. We want to create a place with a fun atmosphere and activities for families and kids to engage in.” 

Brinkmann, being a karaoke DJ, wants to create an atmosphere everyone of all ages can be safe and enjoy doing.

Brinkmann enlisted the services of Classic Buildings in Linn for the project, and plans were drawn up to include a two-story barn structure.

“Kenneth (Miller) the owner of Classic Buildings has been absolutely great to work with,” said Brinkmann. “He understood the vision I have for this place, and he along with his staff have gone above and beyond to make it a reality.”

Miller said he is pleased to be a part of this project. “Karen has a really good idea, and something like this will be great for the family and kids in our community”.

Brinkmann was committed to using as many local contractors as possible for this project. Local Contractors Jim Wolfe Excavating of Linn moved the dirt to begin the process for the foundation, and Deer Creek Hauling, owned by Mike Nolte of Chamois, moved a lot of material. Robbie Strope of RA Strope Foundations and Dodger Bennett and Dustin Maasen of Concrete Solution, LLC, oversaw the concrete work, with Osage County Industries providing the concrete. Scott Strope, also of Linn, is installing the septic system and handled some of the excavation.

Building Specialist Stephen McGhghy of Classic Buildings has been on site, overseeing the development of the building, and said the project has been delayed, but is still progressing well.

“I’m excited to see it completed,” he added. “We’ve had pretty good weather, and it’s going very well.”

The 45x80 building will include a catwalk on the second level, with the open center allowing for a great view of the dance floor.

One of the great aspects of this venture is the preservation of history, with wood from a 150- year-old corn crib being re-purposed on the interior of the building. Shaun Brandt Carpentry is handling the interior design and finish work, and Eric Beaulieu of Beaulieu and Sons Logging in Linn is providing cedar logs for interior and exterior supports.

“We also have antique farm machinery and equipment,” said Brinkmann, noting she has a churn and cream separator, along with other items, which will be on display for decoration. “It will be like stepping back into history. I want this to be fun, but also educational. A lot of kids today don’t know what these items are, or how they work.”

A kitchen will be included, with an eight-foot serving window, and eventually, Brinkmann intends to offer food. “We plan to offer homemade ice cream on special occasions,” she added.

Brinkmann explained the family and youth activity center will include two pool tables, two dart boards, a foosball table and big-block Jenga, as well as cornhole and washer games. 

“We will also, of course, provide DJ and karaoke for dancing, and the center can be booked for private parties too,” Brinkmann added.

“I look forward to coming down to play pool and sing,” McGhghy said.

While the business will not sell alcohol, Brinkmann said that anyone of legal age may consume their own alcohol and bring beverages of choice. There will be tight security to make sure underage drinking does not occur.

“We will have security officers here and cameras, and staff will not tolerate any of that kind of behavior,” said Brinkmann, adding she will ban violators for life if they are caught more than twice attempting to bring in or consume alcohol on the premises. “We want everyone to have fun, but we’re being smart about how we do it.”

The exterior of the building will feature bright red tin, with black trim and a white roof. A covered porch supported with natural cedar posts will be available for relaxing.

Osage Heating & Air is installing the HVAC system. Electrical and plumbing are all being done in-house with the help of several friends. B&H Well Drilling of Loose Creek dug the well for the center. As of now, the project is due for completion in October, and a grand opening will be planned. Updates can be obtained by visiting the Facebook page of Hillbilly holl3r.