In an effort to address challenges, foster economic growth and strengthen community connections, the City of Indianola and Warren County are pleased to announce a strategic collaboration that involves new uses for specific properties owned by either entity, as identified in the City’s Sixth Street Sub-Area Plan and at or nearby the Indianola Downtown Square.
"This partnership and vision for our collective future leverages the resources, expertise and networks of both the City of Indianola and Warren County to create lasting positive impacts throughout our communities and elevate the quality of life for the citizens we serve," said City Manager Benjamin Reeves. "United in purpose and bound together by our shared commitment to advance common goals, the exchanging of properties will provide the foundation we seek to meet the future operational needs of the City and County."
Through extensive conversations and joint brainstorming, the vision outlined in preliminary planning documents discussed and approved Monday, May 20, during a joint meeting between the Indianola City Council and Warren County Board of Supervisors, includes key highlights, such as:
The Indianola Public Library relocating and serving as the focal point to a planned cultural, recreational and entertainment district along the McVay Summerset Trail and North Sixth Street, breathing new life into a historically significant property in the center of Indianola.
Warren County taking ownership of to the library’s current facility, located at 207 N B Street, allowing its departments and staff to relocate and offering greater flexibility, efficiency and ability to perform the services provided to citizens – all centrally located at or nearby the Warren County Administration Building and Warren County Justice Center.
The planned agreement will be considered as part of a comprehensive funding package in 2025. Design conceptualization and construction for the planned redevelopment of the cultural, entertainment and recreational district in which the Indianola Public Library will anchor are expected to commence immediately following approval, with the new Indianola Public Library anticipated to be fully constructed and available for use beginning around Winter 2027-Spring 2028.
While planning remains early and discussions continue to take shape, the collaboration marks a pivotal opportunity to create lasting, positive impacts across Indianola and Warren County, City and County leaders said.
"We are thrilled to embark on this journey with the City of Indianola’s elected officials and staff," said Warren County Board of Supervisor Darren Heater. "By joining forces and aligning our resources, we can maximize the effectiveness, relevance and sustainability of our initiatives together and benefit all aspects of the communities we serve. This really is an exciting chapter for Indianola and Warren County, and this vision represents untapped potential to catalyze influential change and better support our citizens."
For further information about this plan, and as new details become available, please visit the City of Indianola and Warren County websites for updates, documents and more resources.