marion

MARION, IOWA about $10 million in funding coming in from the state.Working through the process of designing trails with state dollars takes a little time, but we have two design contracts–one for the CeMar Trail ($3 million for the Marion portion) and one for the Indian Creek Trail ($2.8 million) which connects Uptown to the north side of town.” BVM: Anything else going on in town that you would like our readers to know about? TREHARNE: “Sure. In May,we celebrated the completion of the Uptown Artway. It is situated in the heart of our central business district. In essence, we’ve transformed an underutilized alley into an amenity and place where people want to be. “Marion secured a $350,000 grant fromArtPlace America in 2014. (ArtPlace America is a collaboration among a number of foundations, federal agencies and financial institutions that works to position arts and culture as a core sector of comprehensive com- munity planning and development in order to help strengthen the social, physical and economic fabric of communities.) The City invested $320,000 to make utility and infrastructure improvements and over $200,000 was invested in nine public art installations by national artists. Five pieces were created by Iowa artists. “The idea dated back to 2009 as our Central Corri- dor Master Plan was being developed.A consultant suggested thinking of ways to creatively use the alley entrances for business access when one of the main thoroughfares through the City is reconstructed. The project was very collaborative in nature and has become a gathering place and great source of pride for the community. “Other redevelopment projects inUptownMarion could significantly increase the number of urban hous- ing options that we have to offer. “The need to expand our current public libraryhas brought forward a proposal froma private developer for a newfour-story-mixed use building to include the library,commercial space,and three stories of apart- ments.The current library is on a non-taxable parcel, and through an RFP,we received a response for an addi- tional four-storybuilding on that site–one level with an office and three levels of apartments. “If both of these projectsmaterialize,we’ll be adding 150 apartment units toUptown-three times what is currentlyavailable.That will change thewhole dynamic. “The vision outlined in our Central Corridor Master Plan hasmade usmore intentional and deliberate in identifying the types of businesses and residents we are trying to attract.You see this in the housing options being added,as well as the restaurants and businesses that cater to a younger labor force.Wewant to see our Uptown become a hot bed for the area,particularly for those looking for a‘funky’place in Iowa to call home. “We reallyhave a lot going on; it’s prettyexciting to be inmyposition.” SPACIOUS SUITES Roomy suites with a full kitchen and separate areas to work and sleep give you the space you need to spread out and settle in. WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED Wake up to a hot breakfast on us, stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and grab a snack at our 24/7 In-A-Pinch® Market and relax in our indoor pool. TOWNEPLACE SUITES® MARION 2823 7th Avenue | Marion, Iowa 52302 t 319-249-0990 • towneplacesuites.marriott.com n Abode Construction www.abodeconstruction.com Based in Marion, Iowa, Abode Construction is a full-service home builder in the greater Cedar Rapids area. Its services include residential home building, commercial construction, excavation, water and sewer infrastructure, and landscaping and landscaping design. The company is a leading Energy Star Builder in the area and state and is committed to providing high quality, efficient, and appealing products and neighborhoods. n Stanley Consultants www.stanleyconsultants.com Stanley Consultants is an Iowa-based global consulting and en- gineering firm with over 100 years of history partnering with clients to solve complex environmental, transportation, power and water challenges in their communities. The company inspires powerful minds to create innovative, bold solutions by embracing diversity and training. Our services include planning, design, permitting, construction management, and alternative project delivery. We are honored to have partnered with Marion in their past, and we look forward to being a partner to their bright future. n Kinseth Hospitality Companies www.kinseth.com PREFERRED VENDORS