Keokuk had big plans for some land along Main Street when it opened up the site for commercial development more than a decade ago. But after years of little interest, city leaders now hope that plan is back on track.
Mayor Tom Marion said a developer contacted the city about purchasing a 1.27 acre lot between the Hampton Inn and Sonic. The land has sat vacant for more than a decade.
Marion said the developer initially offered the city $110,000 for the land. He said a recent appraisal placed the value of the land at about $160,000, so the two sides are working on a purchase agreement based on a price of $150,000.
Marion said the developer wants to build a clothing store and a sporting goods store on the lot. It's hoped this will lead to future development on two remaining lots, which total about 2.5 acres.
The city council agreed to have City Administrator Aaron Burnett move forward with the purchase agreement. Marion said this is a piece of property the city has been trying to sell for years.
“We’re not in the real estate business. It’s better to get something and get it on the tax rolls because there will be a store built there," the mayor said.
The property was first targeted for development in late 2003/early 2004.
That’s when a developer from Wisconsin approached the city about his plan to build a new hotel in Keokuk. He targeted the former Joyce Park, where the Keokuk Saddle Club was located.
The city council decided to end its lease with the club in 2004, which drew criticism from a small, but vocal group of supporters. The roughly six acres of land was sub-divided into five lots and there were public utilities installed, including water, sewer and road.
The Hampton Inn hotel, which is still operational, was built on the largest lot (1.5 acres).
