Brian and Theresa Street first saw the Eagle View Motel on a weekend trip to the area. They loved the Mississippi River and were admiring it from the north overlook when they looked up and saw the motel. The couple went to the motel’s office and mentioned to the staff that they could see themselves running the motel, and were told that the motel was for sale. The Streets took the business over in 2008, leaving their jobs in Oskaloosa; Brian worked in commercial sheet metal, and Theresa worked at the Earl May Nursery and Garden Center and in home health care.
The nine room motel sits on the edge of the bluff overlooking the river. A 1950s building holds three guest rooms, while a 1980s building holds six guest rooms and the main office, with river views and a deck on the upper level. Despite its excellent views, Brian says that it is difficult to get visitors off the highway and up to the motel. He hopes to rearrange signage in order to better catch the attention of travelers. Another goal is to put cabins up where the older of the two buildings is currently located, and to resurface the driveway leading to the motel.
Guests are in awe of the motel’s view, the spotlessly clean rooms, and the friendly, welcoming owner. On a summer evening, guests can be found sitting outside around the fire pit, or spending the morning drinking coffee and enjoying the view. Brian’s favorite thing about running the motel is the people he meets, saying, “I love the people; our clients are wonderful.” Brian and Theresa have checked in visitors from around the country and Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. They’ve welcomed motorcycle groups and even hosted a wedding on the lawn in front of the motel.
In 2015, Theresa was diagnosed with cancer and the couple decided to put the motel up for sale. When Theresa passed away in June of 2015, Brian was grief stricken. It was difficult for him to continue running the couple’s dream business without Theresa. Brian describes Theresa as a magnet; people were drawn to her personality and friendly nature. Their clients loved Theresa, and along with the community of Guttenberg, reached out with compassion upon learning of her passing. Brian says he found the strength through God and Theresa to keep running Eagle View Motel, which is open and welcoming guests to enjoy the view.