HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jen Cooley had a vision. Now, Cooley and her husband, Scott, are turning that vision into a reality.

The Cooleys closed on the old Stevens building recently. They are now in the middle of preparing the building so Jen can relocate Evolution Salon and Spa.

The couple also plans to provide space for other potential use. One day, the space may include their own living quarters. The building is the oldest standing structure in Hutchinson. The building originally provided electricity to the city:

 

For Jen, it’s a chance to expand her business. She talked about the decision to purchase the building:

 

Scott hopes a CDBG grant they applied for will help get the exterior masonry work renovated and resolve any code issues inside. He said the building contains many unique features:

 

The business will feature the original hardwood floors, a dumbwaiter, and the large wooden support beams that make up the entire four floors of the building. The Cooleys should know if they have been approved for the grant in the next six weeks. Jen and Scott also hope they can utilize the rest of the building for other business ventures in the future.