Roquette America has purchased seven adjoining buildings in downtown Keokuk. The company said it is too early in the process to talk about how the properties might be used in the future.
Online records show the company purchased all of the buildings, stretching from 1114-1128 Main Street, from the estate of Doris Irvin in mid-August. The price tag was $110,000.
1128 Main Street housed Irvin Cycle Sales for decades. The buildings were not included in an auction that followed the closing of the business.
“Roquette just purchased the properties in question and we’re still exploring our options for development,” said a spokesperson for the company. “The purchase is the latest in our effort as a good neighbor to help take care of our community’s resources and beautify our city.”
Roquette is already moving ahead with plans to build a new office building on South 7th Street, several blocks from its riverfront plant.
The city of Keokuk has already vacated streets in that area and the company has submitted a rough site plan, though it has yet to acquire building permits.
