The year-end letter carried the news that Riverview and the Webster City Day Care Center have reached an understanding that will see their services combined in a completely refurbished building by the end of 2026.

The Riverview letter contained this:

“In the spring of 2025, Webster City Day Care Board approached us with an unexpected opportunity to purchase their building. After careful evaluation, we believe this is financially responsible, and an option that allows us to capitalize on funds we have already raised while still moving confidently toward expanding our services.”

Over several years, Riverview has raised $3.5 million toward a goal of $6.5 million to build a new building near the corner of Ohio and Des Moines Streets. The site has been vacant since the former Hamilton Hospital was demolished after Van Diest Medical Center opened in 2010.

Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Kolleen Taylor
Kara Seiser carries her son, Hunter Brinkema, from the Webster City Day Care building to her car this week. The vast parking lot has ample parking in addition to adequate space for expanding the facilities.

Instead of building at Hospital Hill, Riverview will completely overhaul Webster City Day Care’s Beach Street facility.

The letter continues; “We’ll be combining staff and children from both facilities and still be able to expand daycare spots in Webster City by a minimum of 40. This will greatly reduce our waiting list to help families across the area.”

Riverview hired Atura Architecture of Clear Lake in 2024 to design the new facility. Those plans are now being altered to guide remodeling of the Webster City Day Care Center at 1317 Beach St. The building was home to The Dance Connection for many years, and before that was used as a Hy-Vee grocery store.

Janet Adams and John Harrenstein, both members of the Riverview Board, confirmed the two daycare facilities are not merging.

“Riverview isn’t buying the business of Webster City Day Care; it’s buying the facility,” Harrenstein told The Daily Freeman Journal.

“When its facility is remodeled, sometime late in 2026, Webster City Day Care will cease operations. We will continue to operate under the Riverview name,” added Adams.

At present, about 90 children are enrolled at Riverview, and a further 60 at Webster City Day Care. It’s believed the remodeled Beach Street facility will ultimately be able to accommodate as many as 200 children.

“Every child in both centers will be guaranteed a place in the new facility, and all present employees of both centers will transfer to the new, combined operation.” Harrenstein said.

“This is an essential facility for Webster City, and a key ingredient in meeting our future economic and population growth objectives,” Harrenstein said.

Although many details of the combined center must yet be worked out, it is expected a finished design for the remodeling of the center will be complete by February 1; construction should begin sometime between March and May, with completion before the end of 2026.

While remodeling is in progress, Webster City Day Care students will receive services at Riverview’s existing facility at 705 Odell St., Webster City.