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.

Streetscape Perspective

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 1st Ave.

For a full schedule, please visit the Project Timeline.

See Phasing Plan here:  Phasing Plan

See Project Information Card here: Information Card

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.

Timeline Publisher Document

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.

Public Parking Lots near the City Square

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