SPIRIT LAKE — At a time when other businesses have vacated downtown Spirit Lake and new business construction is halted due to a city-wide sewer hookup moratorium, Marc Kroetch is doubling down on his investment in Spirit Lake.

The Spirit Lake community booster and businessman planned to build a new showroom for Fresh Air E-Bikes just a block from its current Maine Street location, but the project — like many others in Spirit Lake — was put on hold due to the city’s moratorium on new growth.

It could be 2020 or later before the town’s wastewater system is revamped and the moratorium lifted.

Kroetch found a creative solution to expand his growing e-bike business: He’s moving Fresh Air E-Bikes to the building next door. Formerly known as Clutters, the 1200-square-foot building at 6259 W. Maine St. allowed Kroetch to relocate Fresh Air E-Bikes from its former location in the upper level of The Merc Building.

Kroetch purchased and renovated The Merc Building in 2012. The Merc’s existing tenants — a Mexican restaurant and lounge — will remain, but the space Kroetch’s electric bike business and showroom occupied on the second floor will be available for lease. Modeled as a business incubator, second-floor tenants have access to a shared conference room and kitchen/breakroom. Space available ranges from 200 to 1,200 square feet.

The new Fresh Air E-Bikes showroom opened Friday during the town’s Christmas decorating celebration. Opened in 2016, the business specializes in electric bikes and aims to help retirees and those approaching retirement enjoy bike riding despite age-related challenges.

"About half of my customers have physical limitations of one kind of another," Kroetch said, "whether it’s a hip or knee replacement or they carry a cane."

Like most of his customers, Kroetch is a Baby Boomer. Many seasons of skiing and outdoor activity left his knees worse for the wear. A friend suggested he trade in his skis for a bike.

"I went out and bought myself an entry-level mountain bike and, to my surprise, I could enjoy the outdoors again without pain," Kroetch said. "I was hooked. Electric bikes are perfect for people like me who want to be active without compromising freedom of movement or overworking the body."

Entry-level bikes start around $1,800 and can run into the several thousands of dollars for specialty bikes that can be used off-road, for hunting or for cruising. Kroetch prides himself on having more models available for test rides than any other dealer in the Northwest. The site where he originally planned to build his new showroom is going to be used as a half-acre test ride lot where customers can test electric mountain bikes.

Fresh Air E-Bikes will offer electric bike gear, services tailored to e-bike users and refreshments. The business will also be a vendor for day passes for the Empire Trails — a system of wilderness recreation trails Kroetch helped develop with Inland Empire Paper.

Kroetch sees tourism as the key to the bedroom community’s economic survival, capitalizing on the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains. He has had a hand in numerous improvements that have been a shot in the arm to the local economy, including development of the Fireside Park and Recreation Center, which offers rentals of paddle boats, kayaks and more at City Beach.

"All we have to do is get them here," Kroetch said. "Once people see what Spirit Lake has to offer, they’ll come back. They always do."