The Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority will show off its new office building next week.,

The building in the middle of the Port Authority complex sits on high ground at 10 Bill Bess Drive, a street named after the late Bill Bess, a longtime port director. The level presents a good view of the Mississippi River and the entire port operation.

An open house will be held May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year also is the 25th anniversary of the port authority.

"We actually moved into the building last year," said Dan Overbey, executive director at the port. "We moved between the Christmas and New Year's holidays."

The new, 2,800-square-foot, $237,800 structure includes a large board room, front foyer and office area and four offices. "We have more room here," said Overbey.

Port authority offices were previously at 2110 Main St. in Scott City, in a 1,800-square-foot facility.

"The Scott City location was a good one," said Overbey. "But we eventually wanted to get a port location."

Once the port had sewage, power, streets and infrastructure, discussions turned to a headquarters office building.

Robert Stearnes & Associates, a Sikeston architectural company, designed the building; Bowen Engineers of Perryville did the site grading; and Zoellner Construction of Perryville was low bidder on the building contract. Construction was completed in about eight months.

Kin Dillon, board chairman during the final planning and construction of the building, was still chairman the day the building was occupied on Dec. 31. His term as chairman expired that day, but he remains on the board.

Ron Whitaker is now chairman of the board.

To reach the port headquarters office, take the airport exit of Interstate 55, go east on Route AB about four miles and go though the four-way stop at Route K. The building will on the south side. Go past the building to Bill Bess Drive, leading to the building parking lot.