The owners of Bradbury’s Waterin’ Hole are closing their doors at the end of the month after 39 years of business.
Ray and Sandy Bradbury announced in a “letter of thanks” advertisement in Sunday’s Republic that the pool-themed retail store will close March 31. The Bradburys said they are retiring to spend more time with their family, especially their grandchildren.
The couple sold the store site, located at 2801 Central Ave., on March 2 to 2801 Central Avenue LLC, a newly formed Columbus company, for $1,025,000. That’s more than two-and-a-half times the most recent assessed value — $388,800 — listed for the property, according to Bartholomew County records.
The Bartholomew County Recorder’s office said Jason Gaines signed for a new mortgage on the property. The record did not indicate where he lives.
Local attorney Jeff Rocker, who is representing 2801 Central Avenue LLC, said Tuesday afternoon that attorney-client privilege prevents him from making any comment on any plans the buyer has for the property. Rocker said his client was not interested in talking about future use of the property at this time.
The new company’s articles of incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State’s office Feb. 24, with Rocker listed as registered agent.
The property — about 0.6 acres of land — has entrances from Central Avenue and National Road, or U.S. 31, and shares its eastern border with the property at 3060 N. National Road, where Kroger Co. is going to build a Marketplace store.
John Elliott, spokesman for Kroger Co.’s central division, said he had no knowledge about sale of the Bradbury’s property.
Kroger is working on construction drawings for the Marketplace store and reviewing bids for demolition of the existing bakery, Elliott said.
If demolition, bidding on construction and the permitting process goes smoothly, work on the Marketplace building could begin by late summer, he said.
