LAWTON, Iowa | Repurposing a longstanding building with new life, Highway 20 Treasures owner Anne Jager is pleased with the opportunity to have prominent access for her business.
"We love this building. We were wanting to make sure it was the right fit," Jager said.
The store opened just after Thanksgiving and will have a grand opening on St. Patrick's Day. Jager saif the shop, at 1911 Highway 20, four miles east of Sioux City, mixes the best elements of gift boutiques and retail shops.
The fare includes clothing, furniture and home decor, along with a section of arts and crafts made by Siouxlanders. About half the items are sold on consignment.
So far most patrons have simply noticed the shop on the busy highway, with others learning about it on Facebook. Patrons have come from more distant Ida Grove, Cherokee and Storm Lake.
The facility was opened in the 1970s by owner Ted Herbold. It was known as Theo's Steakhouse. It remained a restaurant for 33 years until January 2010, when new owners Rich and Kim Luze made a significant change, opening LuWe's Steakhouse. It closed after a year.
The building once had mounted animal heads and other antique-style wall hangings inside. The interior now has a fresh look after remodeling.
Jager, a former City of Sioux City employee, decided the time was right to pursue a new endeavor after her youngest child graduated from Lawton-Bronson High School in 2013. She had eaten at Theo's many times, never imagining she would own the place one day.
People fondly recall eating and drinking at the restaurants, and tell such stories to Jager.
"They are happy to see something done with it. It is just kind of a feel-good building to be in," Jager.
Highway 20 Treasures is open Tuesday through Sunday. Jager has five part-time employees. Recent hot sellers have been items from the now-closed Joy Elementary School in Sioux City.
"We've had a lot of people come in to see ... the Joy School connection," she said.
Another specialty are handbags and tote bags made out of recycled tarps.
"People tell us they can't find this anywhere else," Jager said.
