Iola’s iconic H.L. Miller and Son building — most recently home to Madison Avenue Steaks and Chops — remains for sale. AN ARTICLE in the Dec. 3 Register incorrectly reported the building opened as the H.L. Miller and Son dress factory. WALDMAN told the Register the building will remain for sale.
Three bids from prospective buyers were opened Wednesday morning at Community National Bank. None met the base bid of $250,000, reported Mike Waldman, CNB vice president.
The two top bidders, who were on hand for the opening, were told about the base bid. One declined to pursue the matter further. The other indicated he would check with investors to determine if he could meet the asking price, Waldman said.
The large brick building at the intersection of Madison Avenue and State Street has been shuttered since January 2013. Owner Dan Neal is in failing health, following his wife’s death from cancer, and is no longer able to operate the restaurant on his own.
Rather, the building was built in 1910 by local businessmen to help attract new industries to Iola.
The first occupant was the Wheeler-Motter Mercantile Co., which later became the Wheeler Overall Factory.
H.L. Miller & Son acquired the building in 1933.
The building sat vacant for years after the dress factory relocated to Miller Road before it was converted into a steakhouse and then a sports bar.
Many of the restaurant furnishings remain. Most of the upper level also has been remodeled, including a living area and a cigar bar.
“We’ll continue to market it,” he said. “We may expand our market. We’ve focused pretty much locally so far.”
Madison Ave. building fails to sell
