Colliers tackle new project in former fish market

LeCLAIRE – What was once a landmark fish market on the riverfront here is being transformed and repurposed into space for a golf simulator and a yet-to-be-determined casual gathering spot on the north side of the growing downtown district. Developers Rodney and Kim Collier have done extensive work on two buildings that were formerly Fullmer’s […]

LeCLAIRE – What was once a landmark fish market on the riverfront here is being transformed and repurposed into space for a golf simulator and a yet-to-be-determined casual gathering spot on the north side of the growing downtown district. Developers Rodney and Kim Collier have done extensive work on two buildings that were formerly Fullmer’s Fish Market on Ferry Street, and anticipate opening a golf simulator – to be called The Gopher’s Hole – in the smaller building on the site by May 1. Plans still are being formed for the larger of the two buildings, and the Colliers are looking for community feedback.

“We have not identified what we’re doing there,” Mr. Collier said. “We are exploring what the best use of that building will be.” But with the City of LeClaire’s plans to extend public improvements in that area, including a pedestrian boardwalk and bike trail, “that’s going to be a cornerstone of people walking and biking,” he said. With a deck affording an up-close view of the Mississippi River, the project presents an opportunity for a unique experience, Mr. Collier said. The 1,000-square-foot space will include a restroom and a kitchen. “We don’t know what that’s going to be yet to maximize tourist opportunity,” he said. “We want to hear ideas. We want that space to be used and loved.” The couple invites feedback on what residents feel would be a good use for the building. That space will be identified and open by this summer, he said.

New development planned

The development at the old fish market is just north and across the railroad tracks from the Colliers’ Root 67 four-shop retail development at 423 N. Cody Road that opened in the fall of 2022. That building was formerly an appliance store and antiques mall before the couple renovated it. 

The Colliers also are planning a brand new development, just to the north of Root 67 on Cody Road. Mr. Collier said a groundbreaking is expected in April on a building that will offer five commercial spaces at ground level and five condominiums on the second floor. Units on each end would be an estimated 1,650 square feet, while the middle three spaces would be about 1,440 square feet. The building would have underground parking access. The “working name” for that project is River Roots, Mr. Collier said. That area of Cody Road to Chestnut Street is slated for major public improvements this year, all part of the city’s continuing project to improve the roadway, curb and gutters, sewers, lighting and sidewalks in the downtown, which has seen consistent growth in retail and entertainment venues over the past few years. Business owners at the north end of downtown are eager for the work to improve pedestrian access to their properties. LeClaire City Administrator Dennis Bockenstedt said that project will go out for bids in the spring, with plans for construction to begin in late summer or fall. Other property owners also have spoken to the city about potential projects in that end of downtown, he said. “We’re trying to provide tax abatement and grant programs,” he said. “For people who have empty storefronts or lots, they are incentivized to build.” Mr. Bockenstedt noted new developments as well on the city’s south end, such as the Fareway store, Kwik Star and a Starbucks, currently under construction near Fareway. “We’re getting a lot of new businesses,” he said. “Hopefully, the momentum is going in the right direction.”

Root 67 meets with success

Mr. Collier said he is pleased with the success of the Root 67 development. The four businesses located there – Cody Rose Flower Co., The Clothing Co., Nest Modern Goods and Buttercupp Candles – each have their own exterior entrance, but customers can freely walk inside from one business to another. A colorful mural by artist Eve Van Kampen now graces the south end of the building, giving it greater visibility and branding. “I believe personally that the building has lent itself to a very unique shopping experience,” he said. “It’s just different from anything that’s out there.” Katie Thompson, owner of The Clothing Co., said the first year of business at Root 67 “has been phenomenal.” “The concept of the Root 67 building is one that people have fallen in love with, and the uniqueness of all the shops provide an opportunity for multi-generations to love the building. I personally love that each of our businesses complement one another,” she said. For Buttercupp Candles, locating at Root 67 was a move from its prior LeClaire location at the former Grasshoppers Gift Shop. “For us, it was a move across the street,” said Jennifer Cupp, who owns Buttercupp Candles with husband KC. “We were already established. It was an improvement because we had more space.” At the new location, patrons can make custom-scented candles while enjoying views of the Mississippi River, or choose from a wide array of Buttercupp-produced candles, home scents and kitchen items. “We get a lot of compliments from shoppers,” she said. “They love the look of the building, and they love to shop there.”