Alton, Mo. – New construction is going on in Alton, and an auction house is one of them. If you were to take a drive north on highway 19 to AA, within a couple of miles on the north side of the road rafters went up, and metal roofing will not be far behind.
Building Up
Duane Dawson is the one in charge of this endeavor. He has participated at many auction houses. And he has been frustrated more than once by the way they operate. Backing up cattle trailers by non-professionals is a headache with long lines and multiple attempts to get to the right spot. He decided he could design something more feasible to the common man, like himself. What would he want himself? Very little, if any, backing up. Multiple gates to ensure animal protection. Easy entry and exit. Therefore, changing from a buyer/seller to a designer can be an asset.
After a long, cold, wet spring, bulldozers leveled the land; concrete was poured. Walls studs and rafters are now up. Metal roofing will be visible very soon. This structure will have a pull-up area with a gate behind for the animals. No backing to a pen. Inside will be an office and a food area. Outside a market, like a farmer’s market, is planned, and residents are already expressing a desire to participate. Plenty of breeze area inside. Chairs and bleachers are intended for inside. An auctioneer has already been arranged. The property will also have room for large trucks and trailers. The site is predominately flat, making parking and maneuvering simple even in inclement weather or darkness.
A Man With a Plan
Dawson has worked to design the new auction house with Mr. Sisco. Speaking with Duane, he told altonmo.com that he is hoping the auction house will open for business in September. His work crew is striving diligently. It would be the weather that would slow down the progress. The planned dates for auctions will be the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. There could be special auctions. Currently, small animals and livestock are in the lineup for sales. He is looking into exotics, although they require special permits.
