Columbia shutters Shops at Sharp End after ‘series of discussions’

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia announced on its BeHeard website that the Shops at Sharp program will end in September.

The retail space that holds the Shops at Sharp End will be vacant and a meeting will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 for community members to submit proposals for how the space should be used, the city wrote. The meeting will be held at the REDI Hub at 500 East Walnut St. Suite 105.

Public feedback had exposed concerns about funding, sustainability and whether the project has fulfilled its mission.

Previous reporting shows residents earlier this summer voiced concerns the storefront lacked visibility and failed to clearly indicate that multiple businesses operate within the space.

The Shops at Sharp End opened in 2024 through a partnership between Regional Economic Development Inc., The District and Central Missouri Community Action. The project was designed to support entrepreneurs while honoring the legacy of Columbia’s historic Sharp End business district. Funding was expected to run out in September, according to previous reporting.