by Mari Radtke
An empty building previously owned by Ken’s Feeds, then Gail Maurer at the east end of E 2nd Street in downtown Sutherland was bought by Sweeney’s Holdings LLC. Sweeney owned a building next to it and used to warehouse lumberyard products for Sweeney’s Farm and Home. In April, Sweeney approached the Sutherland City Council about street repairs in front of those buildings to make his improvements make sense. He was completely redeveloping the two parcels.
Sweeney cleared the locations and began rebuilding the now 72’ x 100’ lot. The dilapidated structures are being replaced with one functional warehouse. Part of the warehouse will be heated and devoted to protecting company vehicles from Iowa’s unforgiving winters.
Lumber yard inventory expected to be housed in the new structure will be windows, and millwork among other construction necessities.
According to Doug Sweeney, “The work is expected to be done by the end of the month.” Garage doors arrived and inside work can begin. Sweeney’s Construction is doing the work.
Right next door to the west sits Sweeney’s Clubhouse. The fun center already features indoor and year round golfing, adult refreshments and music. A fenced outdoor area was also a good weather feature that offered playing Cornhole and horseshoes. The horseshoes has been removed. Bags will remain on the back patio. As part of the E. 2nd Street improvements, Sweeney added a concrete pad next to the Clubhouse. That pad will feature 2 “Pickle Ball” courts. The area will be fenced and Sweeney is developing access methods for players during hours when the Clubhouse is not open. Organizing leagues is under consideration to enhance the use of recreation’s most recent activity. The projects fundamentally change the look and feel of downtown Sutherland to shop and to play.