Jan. 10--EVANSDALE -- A new expanded Casey's General Store could be in the city's future if some legal and land hurdles are cleared.

And it wouldn't be your run-of-the-mill convenience store, Casey's Chief Financial Office Bill Walljasper said. Besides the normal offerings -- gas, drinks, staple food items, pizza, etc. -- the new store would have an expanded coffee bar and made-to-order sub sandwiches.

While the company would like to replace its aging store at 3601 Lafayette Road with a modern, larger facility, Walljasper said it's premature to say it's a done deal. Several things need to fall into place, like the acquisition of land and approval to move utility poles.

"We're definitely looking to replace it. Evansdale is a good community that really supports (us)," Walljasper said.

On Tuesday, the Evansdale City Council discussed the Casey's project. Mayor Chad Deutsch said the company is in negotiations to purchase a closed car wash owned by Duane Kress of Independence just to the east of the existing store.

The company also needs a small portion of city-owned property that used to be a railroad behind the existing store. However, Canadian National Railway still has the easement rights on the land and would have to OK allowing utility poles to be placed there. Deutsch said the company asked the city for a portion of its land and to help pay half of the $2,500 processing fee charged by the railroad for legal work.

"I don't see why not if it will increase the tax base. We want to encourage that," Deutsch said. "They (Casey's) build a beautiful store."

No action was taken by the council Tuesday, the mayor said. The city is waiting for approval from the railroad, which Deutsch said is usually a formality.

After the abandoned rail line was deeded to the city, it was converted into a bike trail. Since the trail is no longer part of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, Deutsch doesn't see giving a little bit of the land away as a problem.

If a new Casey's is built in Evansdale, Walljasper said it would be of the updated design the company implemented in September. Of the 1,465 corporate stores in the Midwest, there's only eight or nine of the new model.

The stores, complete with slate floors and more amenities, are larger than existing facilities.

"It's a better opportunity to serve people," Walljasper said. "(But) we're a long way off getting it going."

Deutsch hopes the new store is built. He considers it a continuing effort to revitalize the town's business district.

Fareway moved to the town a couple of years ago, the 47-year-old former Town & Country Shopping Center strip mall, now known as Evans Crossing, was recently remodeled, and other businesses along Lafayette Road have also spruced up store fronts.

"Development breeds development," Deutsch said. "When an owner fixes (something) up, its contagious and others follow along."

Contact Matthew Wilde at (319) 291-1579 or matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.

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