Marion, Iowa

the last couple of years,we had four major senior housing projects come into the community, add- ing 200-plus units. Right now,we are focusing on low-to-moderate income housing projects.We are currently working with one developer to add a 52- unit building along the Central Corridor. It will be one of the first new housing developments outside of our Uptown District.” BVM: How about the Marriott Hotel? Treharne: “The TownPlace Suites byMarriott is moving right along; presently about 30 percent complete.The hotel is being constructed on the former site of a salvage yard, so from a before and after perspective, this is a prettymajor accomplish- ment.About $1 million in state brownfield dollars is supporting the project.We are hopeful that the four-story extended stayMarriott will open next spring.” BVM: You also talked about a bridge over Indian Creek, some improvements at the airport, and a new ball field. Treharne: “The bridge over Indian Creek is still a no-go.We’re continuing to add segments to Tower Terrace Road, but the critical piece, the bridge, is still not funded. “The City has received a grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation in the amount of $450,000 for airport runway improvements.We’re working on updating the zoning and land use plan for the airport and surrounding areas.The state has required that we get that accomplished prior to moving forward.We’re about three fourths of MARION, IOWA the way through that process and have the runway design documents.Work is expected to begin on the runway in the spring.The scope of the project went from an initial overlay to a complete reconstruction and widening. “Things have really come together for the Pros- pect Meadows Sports Complex over the last year. We broke ground in the spring on the first stage of the project.The grading is complete, turf is down and lights are up.The first phase features eight fields and one Miracle Field, an inclusive field for the special needs community, as well as concessions, restrooms and trails.Organizers are hoping to play the first game in May 2019.At full build out, about 60,000 out of town attendees are expected to visit Prospect Meadows annually.Hoteliers are recogniz- ing what this will do for overnight stays, so a new Country Inn and Suites is under construction at the intersections of Highways 151 and 13.” BVM: Anything else that you want our readers to know about projects in Marion? Treharne: “Overall, the City has been awarded about $10 million in trail funding to be spent over the next three to five years.We finished a segment from 35th Street east to connect to the Grant Wood Trail; a smaller segment from 31st to 35th Streets was also installed this year.With the Central Corri- dor Project,we’re hoping to make a final connection between our Uptown and the existing trail by next year.We’re working on obtaining the last segment for a connection to downtown Cedar Rapids,which will really enhance the regional trail network. “The City is working to build a third fire station on