With The Station restaurant—among the first of the public-facing projects within the broader “The McGregor Project"—opening last week, representatives shared other informal updates on the long-term development initiative with the McGregor City Council at its July 1 meeting.
Spearheaded by Jeff and Jenifer Westphal, who is a McGregor native, The McGregor Project aims, through a thoughtful, multi-phased approach, to support local and regional businesses across hospitality, housing, dining, retail, entertainment and tourism with a focus on sustainable growth and year-round activity.
The initiative includes a mix of restored buildings, reimagined spaces and locally inspired experiences designed to reflect the town’s heritage and identity. It will emphasize authenticity, craftsmanship and community connection, with each phase intended to build upon the qualities that make McGregor a unique destination.
According to Jeff Westphal, who was joined at the meeting by David Staples from Staples Construction, acquisition of the former Trilogy riverfront lot, where condominiums were previously going to be built, is complete. The former Riverview restaurant and elevator property at the entrance to McGregor has also been acquired.
“We’ve asked a local representative to initiate property care activities,” Westphal said.
He added that “we remain in active negotiations with the owners of the tiki bar and marina, with intent to acquire those assets. I remain hopeful we can come to an agreement.”
Westphal stressed the intent is to “collaborate with the city on a revisioning of the waterfront that does not include residential or commercial development on the waterfront and improves the entire public experience of the waterfront and the town, because it’s a critical asset for the entire city.”
Specifics are not available yet, Westphal said, as planning is difficult without knowing what assets are available to work with.
Additionally, Westphal asked to present with Matt Coen from RDG Planning & Design at the Aug. 19 council meeting on the plan for the renovation and restoration of the Alexander Hotel, the addition of an annex to the hotel, transformation of the former Old Man River restaurant building and some related parking ideas.
The Alexander Hotel was one of the first buildings—along with the former hardware store/opera house—purchased by the Westphals in 2021. At a May council meeting, Westphal and Coen said the historic hotel building, which was constructed in the late 1800s, will be restored and follow the design of its original intent. It can hold just 13 or 14 rooms, however, so there are plans to construct a new building behind the existing hotel that will hold around 33 or 34 more rooms.
The nearby Old Man River building will become the restaurant that serves the expanded hotel, once complete. In the meantime, it will be known as the River Room and offer space for events.
“There will be some opportunities for collaboration with the city that will be presented at that point,” Westphal said of the August meeting. “We won’t be looking for any final decisions. This won’t be a final presentation. There won’t be any specific ask of the council at that meeting, but it would be information sharing.”
Other properties under The McGregor Project umbrella include the former Backwoods/McGregor’s Landing site near Triangle Park, which is currently green space, as well as the pharmacy building on Main Street. Westphal also previously noted plans to develop residences for single families and retirees in McGregor.
