Downtown McGregor building demolished
Downtown McGregor looks a bit different this week, following the demolition Monday of the building at 111 First St., along Triangle Park. (Photos by Audrey Posten)
Since 2016, the site had housed the Backwoods Bar and Grill and Event Center, which recently relocated to 238 Main St. Although the foundation dates back to the 1800s, historical records show other businesses have operated in the structure since the 1920s. However, the building was not a contributing building to the McGregor Commercial Historic District, which is listed on the National Register.
No specific development plans have been released for the 111 First St. site. Once debris from the demolition is cleared, the location will be green space.
By Audrey Posten | Times-Register
Downtown McGregor looks a bit different this week, following the demolition Monday of the building at 111 First St., along Triangle Park.
Since 2016, the site had housed the Backwoods Bar and Grill and Event Center, which recently relocated to 238 Main St., in McGregor. Although the foundation dates back to the 1800s, historical records show other businesses have operated in the structure since the 1920s.
A previous Times Past column in the Times-Register noted the Farmer’s Co-operative Creamery was part of the complex of buildings for many years, and the G & M Motor Company was there from the 1920s to 1952, when the business was purchased by Roger Halvorson, who operated it with Keith Wild. Andy’s Marine, Atkinson Marine and McGregor Mississippi Marina also called it home.
Roy “Bud” Jamesen purchased the building from Robert Myers in 1992, and after extensive remodeling, opened it as the McGregor Mall. The building held 46 antique dealers in its 12,000 square feet.
Jim and Linda Boeke, owners of River Junction Trade Company in McGregor, bought the building in late 2004. The couple was responsible for the most recent facade, which resembled separate historic buildings.
“It had been sitting uninhabited for at least two years. It was a mess inside,” Linda recalled. “It took us four years to complete construction, but we did open in 2006,” renting out the event space and B&B rooms in what were previously second floor apartments. A restaurant was put in in 2016.
The Boekes were attracted to the building because of its size. It could hold events, like Trader’s Jubilee, in one spot rather than across multiple venues.
“We thought, ‘Ah-ha, we could have the dinner and trade show and maybe entertainment.’ That’s what grew into that,” Linda said.
“At the time we opened that up, there were no halls [for events],” added Jim.
Over the past two decades, the event room held countless weddings and even a school prom, as well as community events attracted to the size and access to food and drink—an option not otherwise available in McGregor.
Although the floor of what became known as the “McGregor’s Landing” complex was original, the Boekes renovated the interior with antique fixtures and charm.
The exterior was made to look historic as well, with the couple’s goal to resemble 1857 McGregor. The town would have still had wooden buildings then, before a large fire prompted an ordinance that required all buildings be constructed of brick.
“To fit in, it would be a bunch of small buildings. It wouldn’t be one big building. That’s why we divided it up,” Linda explained.
The names on each of the McGregor’s Landing “buildings” was the name of a real McGregor business in 1857, according to Jim.
“They weren’t in that spot, but they were here,” Linda said.
Jim’s favorite was Uncle Sam’s Saloon.
“There was an Uncle Sam in McGregor who ran a saloon. He was a character,” he quipped.
The Boekes rented the building to Backwoods beginning in 2016, and continued to own it until it was purchased by Jeff and Jenifer Westphal, who are developing other properties in McGregor as part of their “McGregor Project.”
No specific development plans have been released for the 111 First St. site, but those familiar with the McGregor Project indicated the structural stability of the property and potential costs would have made renovation difficult. Once debris from the demolition is cleared, the location will be green space.
Demolition was slated for this winter so it would be complete before McGregor’s Triangle Park and brick street project begins in the spring.
Furnishings and pieces of the complex were sold prior to demolition, with funds supporting the Alexander McGregor Endowment. Jim and Linda Boeke were among those who took items.
The two said the process has been hard, considering their financial and emotional investment in the property.
“This was our heart and soul,” Linda said.
“I didn’t realize it would hit me like it did,” Jim added. “It was OK until the other day, when we were there.”
Although the building was not a contributing building to the McGregor Commercial Historic District, which is listed on the National Register, they—and others in town—have fond memories that will live on when the building is gone.
“We just don’t want it to be forgotten,” Linda shared.
