Columbia’s iconic Empire Roller Rink will close in January after 80 years in the community, but the new owners will use the building to further the mission of providing affordable housing in the community.

Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity in Columbia announced they will purchase the building form the Trent family and will use it to open a second retail “Restore,” a thrift store that in addition to household goods will specialize in construction material.

Executive director Austin View said the Empire Rink purchase will help Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity expand current retail operations, which have been around since 1999 and grown to become about one-third of the organization's overall funding.

“Simply, we are running out of space at our current Restore location,” View said. “We are sure we will not be able to grow and fund our projects if we don’t acquire something that allows for more room. It is going to provide us with almost double the square footage to store additional donation items, more room to walk around.”

The organization has been in operation since 1988 and has built 157 homes for low-income families in Columbia. While the new store will help local residents own their own homes, there is likely a bit of sadness felt by the many people who have come to love the Empire Rink over the years.

The owner William "Willie" Trent along with his family has owned and operated the roller rink since 1938. Trent, now 75, has wanted to retire and tried for several years to sell it as a roller rink.

The rink has long been a fun location that has celebrated many family birthdays, reunions, weddings, schools, church groups and the famous college “kegger” parties back in the day, according to a press release. The rink has also provided roller sport teams such as roller hockey and artistic figure skating.

“Willie and his family want to thank the entire community of Columbia and the surrounding areas that have supported him and the Empire Roller Rink for all these years,” rink staff said in a press release. “Many professional organizations, colleagues, old and new friends and families have been a huge part of his life and there are many positive and wonderful memories shared by all.”

Before Habitat takes over the building, Trent and his family will be on hand for a closing “Celebration Last Skate” day from 1-6 p.m. Jan. 6. for all who want to come by and share their memories of the roller rink.

ppratt@columbiatribune.com

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