Patrick MacDonald, also known as PatMac, has purchased the building at 16 Scott Avenue and has been working to make the place into a family fun venue with the name of Gamerz Lodge.

“The community asked for a family fun entertainment space and that’s what I’m doing here,” he said. “Roughly 10,000 square feet of fun!”

Patrick moved here from Kansas City last year to invest in Pizza Republic after owning a few pizza businesses over the last 30 years. “I love this community,” he said.  “I saw this as a way to give back to the community and invest in Fort Scott. Down here I can make a difference.”

The first floor will be his first focus to show what Gamerz Lodge is about.

“We’ll have a few TVs, arcade games, air hockey, shuffleboard, and pool tables,” MacDonald said. “We’re also introducing a ‘leveled up’ concession stand. Some of your favorites with a ‘PatMac’ twist. There will also be ice cream!”

It will be an events center for small concerts and a place for birthday parties as well.

“People can really use this space for creative classes, meetings, comedy shows, and gatherings,” he said. “It has so much potential.”

The renovation of the building, which most recently housed Darlene’s Collectibles, is a huge undertaking. “It’s a lot to take on for one guy but I’m definitely up for the challenge,” he said. “If there’s an investor out there give me a holler!” he said.

MacDonald’s email address is [email protected].

The tentative opening is June 1.

THE SECOND FLOOR

The second floor has a large ballroom and two 30 feet x30 feet rooms. The ballroom held meetings and dances from the days of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, whose emblem is on the outside of the 1924-era building. Some memorabilia still lines the walls.

“The second floor will grow with the business,” he said. “I see cornhole tournaments, VR space, and potentially a putt-putt golf.”

MacDonald also sees the opportunity to create a wedding venue or an Airbnb on this level.

“I see a whole baseball team from LaRoche Stadium could stay here,” he said.  “Games, food, and family. What else do you need?”