A La Salle microbrewery cafe, coffee shop and upscale loft living project is expected to be completed this year, according to a developer.
“It took quite a long time, but good things take a long time,” said Peter Limberger, who owns CL Real Estate along with his wife, Inga Carus.
Wednesday afternoon was the groundbreaking ceremony for the upcoming businesses at 801-805 First St,, a former Maytag dealership.
Developers expect to complete the project this year, somewhere around late summer, said Nathan Watson, president of CL Real Estate Development.
Actual construction will start in earnest in a few weeks, he said.
Tenants of the project will include Tangled Roots Brewing Company and Jeremiah Joe Coffee, which both currently operate businesses in Ottawa.
The project has been discussed since at least November 2018.
“Where’s Jim? Where’s my friend Jim Bacidore?” asked Peter Limberger about La Salle alderman Bacidore.
Bacidore is known to publicly voice skepticism when it comes to Limberger’s projects.
“He is our supporter, even though he doesn’t admit it,” said Limberger.
“I keep showing up,” responded Bacidore, in attendance.
Limberger said he understands frustrations, because business development can be slow.
“Good things take some time,” Limberger said. “We believe this will be a great addition to downtown,” to bring more people, more tax money and more excitement to La Salle’s downtown.
Building’s name references history
The building will be named “The Rocket” in reference to the historic Rock Island Rocket passenger trains that used to run through La Salle to Peoria, Chicago and Rock Island, said Scott E. Struchen with Tangled Roots.
"The train not only served as a transportation system but also brought people to this community and helped the area thrive," Struchen said.
The project includes:
-A $2.5- to $3-million investment in downtown La Salle
- A 7,000 square feet of new commercial space
- An outdoor dining area
- Six luxury upstairs, one-bedroom apartments
- Off-street parking for nine cars
Source: Nathan Watson, president of CL Real Estate Development.
Ali Braboy can be reached at (815) 220-6931 and abraboy@shawmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @NT_LaSalle.