Former Bob's Standard building to get an extensive makeover

A decorahnews.com photo of Bob's Standard, taken in 2014 as the gas station was closing

The former Bob's Standard building on College Drive in Decorah will be getting a makeover this summer that will return it to the look it had in the 1930s.

Developer Tade Kerndt says he's had interest from a number of business owners in renting space in the building (it will be split into two spaces), including a burrito restaurant that would be the anchor of the building.

Kerndt says, "I originally thought I'd tear down the building--until I saw the photo (of the building from the 1930s)"  Now he'll restore the building so it has the flavor of an old-time gas station, even though it will house other types of businesses.

City of Decorah officials met with Kerndt Monday night to hear his plans.  While no official action was taken, city officials gave their blessing to the concept of granting tax abatements for the project, since the property is located in a previous tax abatement district.

Public hearings on the tax abatement proposal will be held next month.  Kerndt says he's hoping construction can start this summer and be completed in late summer or early fall.