Odebolt wants to turn empty lots into new opportunities for local businesses — and help bring its Main Street back to life.
The Odebolt Community Foundation is raising money to construct a new commercial building that could accommodate as many as seven businesses or office spaces.
Foundation President Makenzee Reik says the idea came from people looking to open or expand businesses in Odebolt, only to find there was nowhere for them to go.
Reik says many older commercial buildings in town have been torn down because of their deteriorating condition, leaving limited space for new businesses.
The foundation, formed in 2021, initially worked toward restoring an existing downtown building. But after that structure was deemed beyond repair and demolished, the group shifted its focus to new construction in 2025.
The proposed building would occupy three vacant lots on Main Street, just north of Swanson Insurance.
The original plan called for three large storefronts. But after hearing from people who needed smaller spaces, the foundation revised its concept to accommodate a wider variety of businesses.
The proposed layout includes a separate storefront for Closet Collective Thrift Store, which the foundation owns, along with a main entrance leading to a hallway lined with individual business spaces. The units would vary in size, potentially accommodating offices, boutiques and other businesses that need more room.
The foundation is aiming to raise $220,000 to build the shell of the structure. Its stretch goal is $300,000, which Reik says would allow more of the interior to be finished before tenants move in.
Reik told Storm Lake Radio that the project has raised roughly $172,000. She also said the foundation had received donations from nearly every local business in Odebolt.
Reik says that support is helping residents see what the project could mean for their community.
The project is also attracting potential tenants. Reik said five or six prospective businesses had already reached out about the proposed spaces.
The foundation hopes to begin construction as soon as it raises enough money, with spring 2027 an aspiration rather than a confirmed construction date.
Reik says she hopes the project will bring more people downtown and give local businesses a chance to grow.
People interested in supporting the project can find donation information, including a Venmo link and a mailing address for checks, on the Odebolt Community Foundation’s Facebook page. The foundation also welcomes questions through Facebook Messenger.
