The newly named Dutzow Landing has been a beehive of creativity and renovation during the past year.

Owners Scott and Katy Wolff purchased the property with the idea of contributing to a community that already held a rich and unique history.

“This is really a special place,” said Scott. “We wanted to find people that shared the same vision of family and community involvement. We reached out to local artists and contractors and we believe we’ve picked out the right people for it.”

The Wolffs live in the Chesterfield area with their four children, but spend a lot of time in the Treloar, Marthasville and Dutzow area. Scott said he always wanted a coffee trailer and believes the Dutzow location is unique and fun with its proximity to the Katy Trail State Park.

The Wolffs’ dream developed into much more than a coffee trailer. The largest renovation was the café, known for many years as the Dutzow Deli. Through a family connection, the Wolffs teamed up with Deb Giffin, owner of the Swallow’s Nest in Washington.

“She immediately grabbed onto it,” said Wolff. “She’s creative, has a great business sense and the same values. Our visions aligned.”

For many years, Giffin invested a lot of time and talent into the development of downtown Washington. Recently, she has turned her attention to bringing a whimsical, charming and tasty atmosphere to the Swallow’s Nest at Dutzow Landing.

“I’m very community-minded,” said Giffin. “This project is about place making — a place where community wants to gather.”

Giffin designed all of the equipment, planned a menu that is “kitchen to table,” using fresh ingredients cooked in the café kitchen, and brought in local artists to make the café a creative destination. Tables are hand-painted and highlight Missouri wildflowers. Diners are surrounded by artistic touches.

Some of the local artists include Kim Alsop, who painted the decks and interior mural; Janet Rudd, who fashioned special wall applications; and Cis Kaiser, with local olive oil. Local honey and other products will also be available.

Maybe the most noticeable piece of artwork is the exterior mural painted by local artist Bryan Haynes, who has collaborated on many local projects centered around the Missouri River bottomland. Haynes wanted to make sure the mural welcomed visitors but also paid tribute to long-time residents.

Front and center is the Dutzow Brass Band surrounded by the Missouri River, farmland, vineyards and bicycles, all familiar to the Dutzow landscape. The mural can be seen from State Highway D.

Sitting directly behind the café is the Katy Bicycle Rental. The building already existed, but also needed renovation and a perfect person to run it. Through Scott’s contacts with Big BAM, a cycling tour known for choosing scenic routes in Missouri, the perfect fit was found.

Todd White, who formerly owned the Katy Bike Rental in Defiance and runs the BAM ride, now shuttles bikes, luggage and riders throughout the state along the Katy Trail. Dutzow Landing is now the hub. Dan Lindsay, teacher and artist, is White’s long-time bicycle mechanic.

White said custom merchandise will be available at the bike shop, highlighting “good friends and good times” along the Katy Trail.

A concrete pad has been prepared for the drive-through Coffee Trailer, but Wolff said the first project didn’t go as planned and they are starting from the ground up. He said the community deserves something incredible and the project is in the works.

“It’s about community and what contributions you can make,” said Scott. “We hope our project spurs other people to continue taking risks like this.”

In addition to raising their children with plenty of time spent in the countryside, both have full-time jobs. Katy works at The Organized Pack, a St. Louis area company that specializes in packing and home organization. Scott is an aerospace engineer with Marmen Inc. headquartered in Quebec.

The Swallow’s Nest Café at Dutzow Landing is open every day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Dutzow Landing is located at 11861 State Highway 94.