SOURCE: THE ATKINSON GRAPHIC

By Cindy P, The Atkinson Graphic

Atkinson native and part time resident Gerard Keating’s 56 year life came full circle last year when he and his family invested in a vacant building in downtown Atkinson.

Keating, who has been restoring commercial real estate buildings throughout the U.S. for 35 years, purchased a 3,000 square foot 100-year-old building located at 107 South Main Street which was occupied by Rexall Drug Store in his youth.

Keating said it was a comment from his 22-year-old son and now partner Alec that made him step back and step up to try to help the downtown. Alec, having heard of the closing of Atkinson fixture R.F. Goeke Variety & Soda Fountain, questioned whether any business in Atkinson with memories from his childhood would survive to be enjoyed by his children.