By Lexi MooreThe old hardware store on Main Street in Hills is for sale through Real Estate Retrievers for a very reasonable price.I have just settled in here at the Crescent so I am not looking for a new career path, but if I had the time and money, I would invest in that building.I think there are plenty of viable business options for the hardware store building. Today, against my better business judgment, I am going to share some of my ideas for the space.Skating RinkThe costs to turn the building into a roller skating rink would be minimal. Once the shelves were removed, a person could polish the floor, hang up a disco ball and bring in the skaters.An out-of-box thinker might even consider building a half-pipe ramp in the back of the building that could be used by skateboarders, skaters and even snowboarders.Ice Cream Parlor or PizzeriaIce cream might sound silly this time of year, but business would be booming by the time May rolls around.Plus, having pizza available on Main Street is a brilliant idea. It’s cheap, easy to cook and there are few state health regulations to conform to.Community CenterIt would be really nice for the Martin Township to have a community center, a place that feels like a second home for residents and keeps younger community members occupied.The key element to making a community center profitable is membership dues. The dues should be low enough so that it is affordable for all families, but high enough for members to feel they need to use the facility.A large commons area where residents feel comfortable meeting for games and activities is essential.I recommend bringing in a ping pong table, air hockey table and a television for video games. Just imagine how many children would be interested in playing in a Madden tournament.Entrepreneurs, think of it as a Legion Hall stocked with activities.Coffee Shop/Book StoreIf I had the money, I would turn the building into a coffee shop packed full of good books, magazines and computers with lightning-fast internet connections.It would be really nice to have a local store stocked with gifts.The Internet would be an instant hit, especially if the proprietors were available to help educate customers on e-mail accounts, downloads, shopping and Web sites.The Home Store had already closed when I moved to Hills, so I am looking forward to seeing what will develop in the building.Starting new business ventures is hard and can be risky, especially in small towns. But I have a message for potential investors: Be brave; the people of Hills will support you. Keep our community growing in a positive direction and we will help your budding business grow.Story ideas or comments can be emailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 507-283-2333.