PAXTON -- A building on the east side of Paxton's 100 block of North Market Street that had sat vacant for months was alive with activity Wednesday.
Workers were installing attractions and making the building ready for the opening of Hudz Family Fun Zone in time for its opening the day after Christmas.
It's sort of owner Andy Hudson's holiday gift to the community.
Hudson bought the property in November 2023 -- a building his father, Carl, formerly owned.
"Over the years, I've always wanted to give back to the community and give something for the kids to do," Andy Hudson said.
Hudson said he considered "what business would work in a downtown such as ours that wouldn't duplicate what we already have."
Donna Pepper, executive director of Paxton Main Street, said the fun zone will fill a niche and "is something that we've been missing."
"It's nice to see a little more balance ... instead of just retail shops that are open 8 to 5."
Andy Hudson said entry to the fun zone will cost $15 and allow the buyer unlimited play there that day. The buyer could even go across the street to eat at, ironically, the Arcade Restaurant and still be able to re-enter Hudz and play the games. There will also be a $5 pass for an adult who wants to bring children in to play and act as a chaperone. The children would be charged the full amount.
"We're looking at maybe one day a week to open it up for seniors during the day so they can maybe drink coffee, have the TVs on and play cards," Hudson said. "Some of them might want to use the pool table."
There will also be a party room to rent for $200 that can accommodate up to 30 people during business hours. Hudson said it would be ideal for birthday parties. Renters could bring in their own food.
The fun zone will also include a bright, colorful playground room for children under 6.
In one area of the building, contractors were installing electrical while in another, others were bringing in video games and other amusements. In another section, a staffer was showing the arcade's manager the ins and outs of the equipment.
Hudson, who also owns Hudson Drug and Hallmark Shop in the same block, said the downtown Paxton arcade will be designed to appeal to all ages.
"We figure from real young to adults and senior citizens" will all find something to enjoy at the fun zone.
If video games aren't your thing, there's pinball. If a NASCAR driving game doesn't tickle your fancy, there's Skee Ball or ping pong, air hockey or corn hole boards, mini golf or Hoop Fever.
There's even a juke box.
"There will be all of the '80s classic (video games) like 'Pac Man' and 'Frogger,'" Hudson said. "Carnival shooting games. There's a couple multi-game 20-plus video games in one machine."
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 1 a.m. Dec. 26.
The 5,500-square-foot building at 137 S. Market St. has held several retail businesses over the years from True Value to Hornsby's, V&R Variety and Ben Franklin. Most recently, however, it housed Doug's Compounding Pharmacy.
Malcolm Howard, who works as a welder at Rivian auto plant in Normal, will serve as manager.
The fun zone will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. after school Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. It will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Hudson said at least two adult employees will be present at all times.
Interest in the new business, he said, has been high.
"People seem to be excited," he said. "I can't walk down the street without someone asking, 'When's it going to be open?' and 'What all is going on in there?'
"We get a lot of comments on how great downtown looks."
Other entertainment options
Pepper seconds that notion and said some other newer downtown businesses are also providing entertainment, including Brad and Ben Strebeck's Game Changer sports shop in the 200 block of North Market Street and the Cadillac event center in the 100 block of West State Street.
"I do see quite a few kids going in there after school," Pepper said of Game Changer, "and families going in there in the afternoon.
"That is something kids and adults can do together."
The Cadillac has provided a variety of entertainment options, including bands and comedy shows. It even has hosted some cornhole tournaments, and last weekend was the site of its first wedding reception.
"There were like 300 people there," Pepper said.
She said the Silver Tree Spirits distillery in the 100 block of West Pells Street will also be adding more offerings, including a tasting room and giving "full whiskey tours."