Indianola Downtown Square Reconstruction

Project Overview

In September of 2018, the City of Indianola partnered with the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, Warren County Economic Development Council and the Iowa Economic Development Authority to assess the downtown square. A key recommendation of the assessment was to develop a streetscape concept plan. The new justice center facility provides an opportunity to create unifying and sustainable streetscape enhancements that the community can be proud of well into the future.

A downtown city square is the heart of a community. It is a place where people gather, spend time, and shop local. The demolition of the Warren County courthouse and replacement with the new justice center facility will have a significant impact on the appearance and function of the downtown square.

DOWNTOWN SQUARE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATES

Completed Phases

Phase 1 began on June 14, 2021. Roads & sidewalks within Phase 1 were reopened to the public on December 30, 2021.
Phase 3 began on March 7, 2022. Roads & sidewalks within Phase 3 were reopened to the public on June 23, 2022.
Phase 5 began on March 7, 2022. Roads & sidewalks within Phase 5 were reopened to the public on July 21, 2022.
Phase 4 began on June 20, 2022. Roads & sidewalks within Phase 4 were reopened to the public on September 9, 2022.
Phase 2 began on July 18, 2022. Roads & sidewalks within Phase 2 were reopened to the public on October 28, 2022.

In-progress Phases

Phases 6-9 (alley phases). Phase 9 began on March 20, 2023. This includes the east/west alley between S Howard St and S Buxton St, as well as the public parking lot located at 106 W 1^st Ave.

For a full schedule, please visit the Project Timeline.

See Phasing Plan here: Phasing Plan

See Project Information Card here: Information Card

Latest Construction Update (August 22, 2024)

Crews have completed work a day earlier than anticipated for the Indianola Downtown Square west alley and parking lot. The west alley and parking lot will reopen to the public by noon today, Thursday, August 29.

This marks the completion of the Indianola Downtown Square Reconstruction Project!

Previous Construction Update (August 22, 2024)

The Indianola Downtown Square Reconstruction Project is nearly complete!

The finishing touches of Phase 9 will take place on Sunday, August 25, as crews conduct pavement markings in the parking lot near The Concession Stand and on the north half of Buxton Street between West Boston Avenue and West Ashland Avenue. While work is underway, parking in this area will be unavailable as the lot is restriped to its previous angled parking, and pavement markings for on-street parking along North Buxton Street will match the surrounding Square to meet the City’s standards.

Additionally, the west alley and parking lot is scheduled to reopen to the public by Friday, August 30. Indianola Municipal Utilities will continue working in the alleyway near the parking lot, which may cause temporary lane closures in both the alley and parking lot as work progresses. We will share updates on our website and through social media, if necessary.

As always, we greatly appreciate the community’s flexibility, understanding and cooperation as we work toward the completion of this essential infrastructure project.

Downtown Square Streetscape Project

In August of 2018, Warren County voters approved a nearly $30 Million bond referendum to construct a new justice center for Warren County in the heart of Indianola’s Downtown Square. Knowing that changes were coming, in September of 2018, the City of Indianola partnered with the Indianola Chamber of Commerce and Warren County Economic Development Council to have the Iowa Economic Development Authority conduct a Downtown Assessment on Indianola’s Downtown Square.

The results of the Downtown Assessment Visit recommended the City of Indianola focus on six key areas, one of which was to look at the Downtown Square’s infrastructure and identify improvements that could be made to the streetscape during the construction of Warren County’s Justice Center. To assist with this recommendation, the City consulted with Bolton and Menk in February 2019 to redesign the streetscape of Indianola’s Downtown Square.

The process was led by the leadership of City staff and a local steering committee made up of business owners in the Downtown Square, residents and other interested parties. A series of meetings were held with the steering committee that led to the presentation of a refined concept that was made available for comment at a public open house In May 2019. The process started with the steering committee identifying issues and opportunities for the Indianola Downtown Square. Topics discussed at the first meeting included: historic elements, current challenges, functionality, and pedestrian circulation. The initial priorities and ideas were used to create three preliminary concepts. The second steering committee meeting was used to discuss each of the concepts and receive direction for further refinement. Each concept portrayed different opportunities for the Downtown Square. The options considered: one-way vs. two-way traffic patterns, bump-outs at the intersections, bike lanes, outdoor seating, parking stall typologies, and pedestrian crosswalks. The refined concept includes: bump-outs, widened sidewalks, a combination of parking types, and hardscape enhancements.

See the Indianola Downtown Assessment here: Indianola Downtown Assessment

See the Indianola City Square Master Plan here: City Square Master Plan

Project Timeline

A project timeline is provided below. Dates are subject to change due to construction, weather and other conditions that may cause delays.

FAQ's

Will the Businesses on The Square be closed during the downtown Streetscape renovation project?

No, businesses will not be closed during the project and access to buildings will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Will this project raise property taxes?

Grants, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), utilities, and local option sales tax will cover the project costs.

Will parking be available for City of Indianola residents and guests in the Square?

Yes, public parking will be available for residents and guests on The Square and in several City Parking lots. Approximately 250 public parking spaces are within a 1 minute walk of Square businesses. Another 98 spots are within a 2 minute walk. Contract workers will park in the public lots located off of the Square throughout the duration of the project.

For questions, comments or concerns, please contact the Community Development Department by calling (515) 961-9430 or emailing at comdev@indianolaiowa.gov.