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The former Casey’s convenience store on East Main Street in Luverne is the new trailhead building for the Blue Mound Trail and Rock River water recreation.
Luverne contractor Tom Nergaard recently completed the $125,000 project, which also includes handicap-accessible public restrooms that are now open for use.
Exterior siding was removed and interior walls were gutted. A new entrance was built with an exterior blend of architecture with exposed rock and dark trim.
The city of Luverne acquired the property from Casey’s Corporation for $1 in January 2019.
Since then, city leaders have been considering the best use for the property as a trail head building, considering its location on the bike trail and near the river.
“We’re planning whatever we can do to enhance our outdoor quality of life,” Luverne Mayor Pat Baustian said during 2019 discussions.
“It could be something that rents bikes, canoes and kayaks, and possibly a bike repair shop and other services.”
On March 31, 2017, the Casey’s closed its East Main Street location, boarded the windows and removed inventory and equipment.
The pumps and underground tanks were removed and the corporation received EPA clearance late in 2018 to post it for sale.
From the city’s standpoint, owning the property, especially at the price of $1, is important in order to control Luverne’s east “gateway” first impressions.
At that location on the city’s east side, the property holds promise for all kinds of potential opportunities, but several non-compete restrictions are attached to the deed.
For 15 years whoever buys the lot will not be allowed to sell products similar to those offered by Casey’s.
This includes fuels, tobacco products, groceries, alcoholic beverages and prepared foods, such as sub sandwiches, pizza and donuts.
A bike repair shop or recreation rental business, however, would conform to this restriction.
Meanwhile, Papik Motors has donated a small bike repair station on the north side of the building for the public to use.
Luverne City Council members toured the building Tuesday night, June 16, as part of their meeting that included tours of the new Public Works mechanics bay addition and the Rock County History Center.