Mason Properties plans to open a laundromat on South Fourth Street within 120 days, and he plans to add a restaurant and bowling alley to the building.

Co-owners Jim and Linda Mason are moving forward with plans to build the laundromat at 1401 S. Fourth St. They also want to add a restaurant and a bowling alley to the building, but that could take until March, said Jim Mason.

Jim Mason said the laundromat will do things others don’t, like situating washers close to dryers so a need for a cart is reduced and having a laundry delivery service.

Jim Mason said two of the washers will be able to wash 90-pound loads and many will be able to wash 80-pound loads. Jim Mason said the standard apartment washers can only wash up to 20-pound loads.

“We will clean clothes differently than other people. The types of machines and products will be entirely different …,” Jim Mason said.

Restaurant

Mason said he plans to have a brick pizza oven in the restaurant capable of making 50 pizzas an hour with a drive-up window to get food or pick up laundry.

“What I do is I try to make it for the masses, for people like you and me,” Jim Mason said. “The city is totally behind the project.”

Mayor John Rey said the plan Mason Properties has for the property could bring more traffic to the area.

“I think it would be a positive stimulus. It is an aggressive project, but Jim Mason is an aggressive guy,” Rey said. “If other developers see the traffic it could be a very positive stimulus for other developers in the neighborhood.”

Senior English major Kathryn Tissa said the center’s delivery option will draw more students to the business.

“It’s one of those weird combos; it’s like a spork. I think it will be a hit,” Tissa said. “The biggest draw is the beer and the bowling alley.

“I think honestly the combination of things is enough to draw students in.”