New look coming for properties on First Avenue East

A section of First Avenue East in Newton, will get a new look after three properties and two lots were recently purchased.

The buildings in the 1200 and 1300 blocks of First Avenue East and properties at 1309 and 1315 First Ave. E. have been purchased by developer John Gretlein to be demolished and redeveloped.

“He is buying this land, tearing down the building and looking to build to suit,” real estate agent Dick Boggess said.

Gretlein currently owns properties in Newton, including the strip mall just west of the property on First Avenue housing Goodwill and El Sombrero, the Hallmark and Hammer Medical Building, the Optimae building and the Napa Auto Parts building. He is also in the process of constructing a building between the Hallmark and Napa buildings to house Anytime Fitness and Kinetic Edge. It is expected to be finished this fall.

Boggess said specific plans are not established for the land but that an additional strip mall could be built in that area. He said Gretlein is also willing to built to suit if a business is interested.

For information about the potential development of the property, contact Boggess at Birkenholtz Realty at 641-792-4764.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson
at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534
or jpierson@newtondailynews.com