The following is the original article concerning the purchase and demolition of Lincoln Square Shopping Center, and the subsequent rise of Kum N Go, and what happened to various stores in the process. You might enjoy the commentary and the trip back.
- Updates are May 14, 2013 when we first knew about the process…
- December 17, 2013 when the demolition actually happened… and
- December 20, 2018 an update on individual businesses, for the sake of historical record.
ORIGINAL May 14, 2013
Readers have been asking me about this, and now I have a reputable source that says Lincoln Square in Benton will be demolished to make way for a new Kum & Go store.
I’m curious to know how this will affect the surrounding businesses, myself. Judy, the owner of Simon Says consignment shop, tells me they’re moving to Edison Avenue in June. They were forced to change locations before the demolition. But I wonder about Frederic’s Salon, ShoTime Printing, and Al’s Barber Shop. And then there are Denton’s Plaza businesses right there on the corner as well. We shall see…
COMMENTS ON THIS BLOG FROM PREVIOUS VERSION OF MYSALINE:
Shelli Poole on May 14, 2013 at 4:45pm
I’m with you, Susan.
Lori, I spoke with Robert Denton just now and he says he will miss the merchants that are currently in Lincoln Square. He isn’t excited about construction, considering how Military Road improvements have made a mess of things for some time, but it’s progress and he anticipates it will eventually be good for business.
Lori Morrison on May 15, 2013 at 9:12am
I’m glad to hear Denton’s is staying it seems to have become quite the hot spot.
Brad Moore on May 15, 2013 at 9:37am
Very interesting… an aggressive approach to retailing
- Shelli Poole on May 15, 2013 at 9:49am
Just for clarification…
TO BE DEMOLISHED FOR KUM & GO:
Lincoln Square is just the large building on the corner (with the lighter gray asphalt).NOT TO BE DEMOLISHED:
Denton’s used to own the strip mall to their south (with the darker gray asphalt) and that strip + Denton’s was called Denton’s Plaza. I don’t know what the new owner is calling that strip mall now. The Google map says “Lincoln Square Shopping Center” right in the middle of both the dark and light parking areas, but Lincoln is only to the right of that label.
- Shelli Poole on May 15, 2013 at 1:18pm
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Property listing on Arkansas Best Realty website…
http://www.arkbestrealty.com/commercial-propertiesProperty Summary
Nathan Hutchins (501) 912-3660 
Listing Notes:Investment property for sale sitting on 2.70 acres +/-
General Use Retail Specific Use Convenience/Strip Center Bldg Size 22,506 Yr Built — Market Saline County Submarket — Const Status Existing # Anchors — Parking — Tenancy Multi-Tenant N/S Street Lincoln Rd E/W Street Military Rd Price $974,202 Price/SF $43.29 Sale Type Investment Listing Status Active Available 22,506 Vacant 3,410 ——–
Brent Gillespie on May 18, 2013 at 10:52pm
- Shelli Poole on May 19, 2013 at 7:13am
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Meghan, it sounds like you need to call the city about the reckless drivers on your street. Let them know that if they can keep one child safe, it’s worth whatever steps they need to take. I’d call your alderman, the Mayor’s office and the Police Department.
- Victoria Powell on May 20, 2013 at 8:36pm
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The name of what was Denton Plaza is now Washington Plaza. I thought it was clever considering Lincoln Square, but now that it will be no more, I think the name is lame.
- Shelli Poole on May 21, 2013 at 12:52am
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Good point, but changing the name now to fit the Kum & Go station probably isn’t a good idea either!
UPDATE DEC 17, 2013
On December 17th, 2013, Lincoln Square would be no more. That rhymed and I feel like I should round it out with a few more lines, but I lack motivation due to my illness Or brain damage or something. Thanks to Ray Baggett for these historical photographs taken in Benton Arkansas.
Pam Sloper on December 17, 2013 at 9:53pm
I had no clue it was THIS close to happening. I just heard the rumor it was coming down.
Kime Eubanks on December 17, 2013 at 11:04pm
What rhymed??
Shelli Poole on December 17, 2013 at 11:19pm
I’m looking back at what I wrote and I must be delirious. I don’t see anything that rhymes either. I’ve been ill (not sure what my deal is) and it’s making me loopy.
Mark Petz on December 17, 2013 at 11:40pm
I remember when it was new we bought the pet shop there in 1978
lisa and steve spencer on December 18, 2013 at 10:20am
Petz Pets , I remember going in there several times .
Shelli Poole on December 18, 2013 at 10:30am
Mark, do you have any old pictures of your store there or of the building?
Fred Burnett on December 19, 2013 at 3:05pm
How about this:
On December 17th, of the 2013’s,
Lincoln Square was smashed to smithereens.
Daylight Donuts will no longer make dough.
In its place will be a Kum and Go!
Fred Burnett on December 19, 2013 at 3:19pm
No more Al’s Barber Shop or Frederic’s Salon to do our hair,
Or Simon Says Resale for clothes for our kids to wear.
Shelli Poole on December 19, 2013 at 10:46pm
Splendid! Maybe I was seeing into the future when I said something rhymed.
UPDATE DEC 20, 2018
The following is what happened to many of the stores from Lincoln Square. If you have any other info about Lincoln Square businesses, comment below.
- Lincoln Square was demolished and a Kum N Go store was built.
- Denton’s Trotline closed and was also demolished and remains unoccupied.
- Denton’s Plaza stayed, but changed to Washington Plaza.
- Daylight Donuts moved to Washington Plaza, but closed.
- Later, Daylight Nutrition opened there.
- Al’s Barber Shop moved to a strip mall on Northshore Drive just off Military Road.
- Frederic’s Salon went out of business.
- ShoTime Graphics moved to a storefront on Smithers Drive behind TireTown.
I had a pet shop there 1978 to the mid 80’S
Mark Petz on May 14, 2013 at 2:48pm
TCBY opened its 3rd store there
Joe Gregan on May 14, 2013 at 2:50pm
That is kind of sad, I remember when…
I would pump quarters in the arcade on the lower level after school.
When what would become Fitness Unlimited started on the lower level.
Nicholas Stehle on May 14, 2013 at 2:51pm
Sad to hear about this, but progress must have its way, I suppose.
Lori Morrison on May 14, 2013 at 3:15pm
I wonder if Denton’s Trotline will stay.
Susan Dill on May 14, 2013 at 4:29pm
I heard that there was a possibility of a Motel 8 there as well. I’d rather have the individual local merchants.