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March 2021 issue of Business Connection from Marion Chamber of Commerce, MEDCO, and Uptown Marion.

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Published by The Business Connection, 2021-03-31 11:48:17

March 2021 Business Connection

March 2021 issue of Business Connection from Marion Chamber of Commerce, MEDCO, and Uptown Marion.

The Business Connection

March 2021

2021 Positioned to be

Strong Construction Year

Inside 2021 has the potential to be one of the creation of an environment that is now
most “bullish” construction years in recent attracting high quality development. The
Marion Community memory. As Marion recovers from the August $25M+ Broad and Main redevelopment plan
Build Home derecho and 12+ months of an agonizing calls for two properties to be constructed in
Renovation Continues pandemic, investors see pent up demand succession at 1101 7th Avenue, currently the
for multi-family housing, flexible industrial Marion Square Plaza strip mall.
Page 3 warehouse, and redevelopment opportunity
along Marion’s Central Corridor and The first building, Broad and Main on 7th,
Marion Disaster elsewhere. Marion Economic Development includes a three-story mixed-use property
Recovery Fund Corporation is proud to be working with with two large commercial bays, micro
Completes Awards construction projects underway valued at retail space, and 39 market rate residential
$110M. units. Construction is anticipated to begin
Page 6 in April and be complete in Summer 2022.
In the heart of the community, Broad & The city of Marion will also complete
7th Avenue Main on 7th represents the first of several major street reconstruction and streetscape
Streetscape & Plaza planned investments by Cedar Falls based improvements along 7th Avenue in Uptown
Project Eagle View Partners. The project represents Marion during this time. See 7th Avenue
more than a decade of community input, Streetscape and Plaza Project on page 12.
Page 12 planning, new road investments, and the
“We’re expecting to find folks of all ages
who are interested in living, working and
playing in a vibrant district. We’ve seen
that adding residential density in an urban
center complements existing shops, bars and
restaurants; Uptown residents will become
their most loyal customers. Both residents
and businesses come to add a lot of value for

CONSTRUCTION, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

CONSTRUCTION, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

one another, and it’s this relationship that contributes to a
district’s long-term success,” said Mark Kittrell, Owner and
CEO of Eagle View.

As supply chains react to the impacts of a pandemic, Elsewhere in the community, companies like Hy-Vee and
market demand continues to increase for flexible warehouse Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust are reinvesting in new facilities
space. Two projects planned in the Marion Enterprise Center that continue to drive forward the vision of Marion’s Central
have the potential of providing more than 100k square feet of Corridor.
leasable space. Both buildings are designed to accommodate 319-377-6326 | 2201 7th Ave, Marion, IA 52302
multiple medium sized users or companies interested in up
to 60k square feet. While shovel ready ground is an asset to
a community, developing speculative real estate buildings
are an equally important tool to have in the toolbox. More
information on these facilities can be found at medociowa.
org/availablebuildings.

New multi-family projects continue at East Town Crossing
and along 5th Avenue along Marion’s Central Corridor.
One of the more visible projects coming in 2021 is Green
Park Apartments. This $25M redevelopment project will
transform the former YMCA site into 147 market rate units.
The project will be constructed in several phases with the
first building anticipated to be under way this year.

“We’re pleased to see development confidence remain high
in our community,” says MEDCO President Nick Glew. “As
supply chains and material costs continue to recover, 2021
will be a year of developers responding to pent up demand
across multiple sectors while taking advantage of a favorable
interest rate environment.”

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2

Marion Community Build
Home Renovation Continues

Last Fall, Marion Economic the same time equipping and trades,” said MEDCO President Nick
Development Corporation purchased inspiring the next generation of Glew.
a vacant home located at 330 8th workforce that want to learn about the
Avenue in Marion and launched
Marion Community Build. The
program is a partnership between
MEDCO, the City of Marion, Marion
Independent School District and Linn-
Mar Community School District (see
Building Trades Program: Origins
and Legacy). Students from both
Linn-Mar and Marion Independent
School Districts come together every
day during the week, to work on
renovations to the home.

The renovation process has been
underway for seven months and
students have worked on everything
from siding and roofing to drywall and
painting. Hot afternoons of tearing off
old siding have now transitioned to
installing new trim throughout the
home. Despite the extreme cold, work
has continued all winter long.

Students have been able to see the
home progress first hand, learn to use a
variety of tools, and more importantly,
have learned the work and costs that
go into renovations.

The program aligns with Community
Promise to invest in deteriorating
neighborhoods, equip students with
hands on experience in the trades,
increase property values, and inspire
neighborhoods to reach higher.

“This program has so many positive
components to it, we’re investing in
some of the older core neighborhoods
that need fresh energy. We’re creating
new and affordable housing options
for individuals and families and at

MarionReachHigher.org 3

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

Building Trades Program:
Origins and Legacy

By Prem Kulkarni, Community Build
Intern and Linn Mar High School student

This article was written based on to further their education locally.
interviews with Greg Semler, Marion The program was a success. As Weisinger retired, it
Independent High School Principal
(MHS), and Bruce Weisinger, the former halted the program until a new instructor was appointed.
Building Trades instructor. Along with Hoping to resume the program, Semler involved Marion
former MHS principle, Larry Twachtmann, they made this Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) and the
program as successful and influential as it is now. This article City of Marion to propose a new and equally ambitious
looks at the history of the Building Trades Program, how it project, buying older homes and renovating them. This year
started and how it has progressed. Also, scattered throughout the class has been renovating a home, bought by MEDCO,
this article are pictures of homes built by the students of with new siding, windows, and appliances. While it is an
the Building Trades Program; built 2017, 1992, and 1997, excellent experience and career preview for the students,
respectively. it is equally as beneficial for the community as it supports
local businesses and increases the value of the neighborhood.
Since its founding, the Building Trades program has given
students an opportunity to experience real world, hands-on
construction.

Weisinger offered perspective on the origins of the program Bruce believes, “With the increasing demand for skilled
when schools began moving away from engineering, workers, this type of program is a vital part to meeting the needs
construction, and trades programs because of lack of of the construction workforce in the Marion community.”
encouragement and funding. The Marion Independent With his pioneering vision, the program continues to thrive
School District along with Farmers State Bank began and help students in the Marion community. Emily Russ,
planning a program that would not only help students get Workforce and Communication Specialist for MEDCO,
hands-on experiences but also support local businesses. states, “The program aligns with Community Promise to
They enlisted the help of local plumbers, electricians, and invest in deteriorating neighborhoods, equip students with
lumber suppliers. The Building Trades program was born, hands-on experience in the trades, increase property values,
reviving efforts for interactive learning in the community. and inspire neighborhoods to reach higher.”
Weisinger’s vision to buy land and construct a house with the
leadership of the students became a reality. Every year for 25
years, 15-20 Marion High School and Linn-Mar High School
students came together during the Building Trades class to
build a home. The project was completely locally sourced,
strengthening the community and encouraging the students

4

MEDCO Launches Future Focused Forums

A Series Transforming Challenge to Resiliency exciting events being planned this summer in the community.
Marion Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) June 22nd | Future Focused on Development. Development
has begun a monthly personal and professional development
opportunity called Future Focused Forums: A Series opportunity remains strong in 20201. Join us for a panel
Transforming Challenge to Resiliency. discussion with developers and bankers who continue to
The forums were created to engage in dialogue around support community growth. We will provide an update on
workplace topics that have emerged as companies and our own community pipeline and preview new projects on
employees begin the new year. What are the impacts of the horizon.
remote work on company culture? What are businesses
doing to address mental health in the workplace and what July 27th | Future Focused on Industry. Joins us for
are practical ways to navigate this together? Join us for a conversation with state economic development and
monthly dialogue with business and community leaders as workforce leaders and learn about new programs and policies
well as health professionals. designed to support Iowa’s continued prosperity.
“As we listened to our business partners in 2020, topics
such as mental health and changes to workplace culture August 10th | Future Focused Celebration - Time and
have emerged as those that require a broader community location details TBD. Join us for the conclusion of our series
conversation,” says Brady Quinn, MEDCO’s Business on the one-year anniversary of the August 2020 Derecho.
Retention and Small Business Specialist. “These forums In partnership with Trees Forever, we’re working to develop
will allow our business partners to engage in dialogue as we a meaningful event that reflects on the past and invests in
learn best practices and seek to apply them to our unique the future of our community. A portion of your registration
situations.” fees will be used to support the replanting of new trees as we
While the series began in February, it will continue rebuild the community’s precious tree canopy and stay future
monthly through August. Registration is now available. A focused.
portion of the registration proceeds will go to Trees Forever
as we conclude the forum series on the one year anniversary Registration details can be found at www.medcoiowa.
of the Derecho storm in our community. org/futurefocused.
For a limited time, a package of the remaining six forums is
available for $50. Individual forum registrations are available MEDCO Launches:
for purchase prior to each event, for $15. Each monthly
session will be held the last Tuesday of the month from Join us as we take time to reflect, listen, and learn
8:30-9:30 am. For registration details, please visit: www. from each other through stories of resiliency. The
medcoiowa.org/futurefocused. Future Focused Forums series will encourage us to
The following information summarizes the remaining embrace change, re- position our focus, and lead
monthly session: through adversity.
March 23rd | Future Focused on Physical Health. Whether
it be our homes becoming our offices or the constant forced Forums held virtually on a monthly basis on Tuesday
changing of our daily schedules, our physical health has been mornings from 8:30-9:30 am.
impacted. The food we eat and the physical activity we do
has a direct effect on both our mental and physical make up. Learn more about registering:
Learn how local employers have helped their employees be www.medcoiowa.org/futurefocused
more active and join local experts for a few tips to balance
the new workplace, nutrition, and physical fitness. Future Focused On:
April 27th | Future Focused on Culture. Changes in the
office landscape and remote working has impacted team March 23: Physical Health June: Development
culture in ways we have never navigated before. Come listen
to area leaders as they offer insight and reflection on the April 27: Culture July: Industry
lasting impact in the workplace.
May 25th | Future Focused on Community. Join us for a May 25: Community August: Derecho Recovery Celebration
conversation with our community leaders for an update on
pandemic and derecho recovery. We will also look forward to

MarionReachHigher.org 5

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

Note from Nick

Welcome to 2021! It’s workforce. That’s affordable receive child care tax credits,
almost impossible to believe and accessible child care. there is no shortage of
that another Q1 has already Since January 2020 there are solutions being considered
come and gone. This is approximately 20,000 fewer by the legislature.
the busiest time of year people even looking for work If you’re interested in
as it relates to our public in our region. In fact, across reviewing a list of other
policy work and advocating the state the laborforce pieces of legislation we
business and development participation rate has track, go to www.ialobby.
priorities to our elected dropped 6% since prior to the com/billtracker/pdi. Marion
leaders in Des Moines. pandemic. Don’t be fooled Economic Development
We’re closely following by a low unemployment Corporation is a member
many of the proposals rate. That only represents of an industry association
outlined in the Governor’s people actively looking called Professional
Economic Recovery for a job. How quickly are Developers of Iowa. Through
Advisory Board report. Nick Glew, MEDCO President. we back to the situation of PDI’s contract lobbyist, this
This document evaluates simply needing more people website illustrates some of
the impact of the pandemic connectivity to all corners who are interested in being the bills that our industry
and reinforces key priorities of Iowa. No doubt, internet employed. is watching as the session
that we have supported for speed is critical to support wraps up. Please contact me
many years. During the 2021 our state’s economy, Enter the topic of child if you have any questions
legislative session, many especially following a year care. Did you know that on specific public policy
of these recommendations where many were forced since 2015, the number of you might read about. As
have quickly turned into bills to work and/or learn from child care providers in Linn always, we are very thankful
in the areas of broadband home. Iowa currently ranks County has decreased 35%? for our local senators and
expansion, supporting the near the bottom when it In fact, during 2020 alone, representatives who work
adoption of innovation comes to internet speeds. more than 23 child care daily on our behalf in Des
and new technology Addressing this topic in providers closed their doors Moines.
in manufacturing, and both urban and rural Iowa which equates to 377 lost
addressing the extreme is critical to attracting both child care slots. That’s why
challenge we face in child companies and workers who we’re following more than a
care affordability and access. want to live in our state. half dozen bills designed to Nick Glew,
Many of these proposals address this topic. From tax MEDCO President
come with large price tags Speaking of workers, let’s credits for employers who
such as $450M over three talk about one of the greatest provide child care benefits
years to expand broadband barriers for individuals to doubling the income
who want to enter the threshold for people to

It's your future. Let's protect it.®

At the corner of Highway 13 & 151 ChrisC.OhbriesrbOrboeercbkrlioneCgcC@hkhrirlfsiibOnsfgObse.bcreborrmoberockelcinkgli.ncgom Randy Strnad Randy Strnad
EastTownCrossing.com [email protected]
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For more information contact: 808 6th St., Ste. 3, Marion, IA
Jim Angstman, CCIM (319) 377-3276
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Marion Disaster Recovery Fund
Completes Awards

The Marion and total of $42,500 was awarded to 17 residents and 11
Chamber Foundation businesses.
has completed awards
of over $62,000 from “We are thankful to all those who donated funds to make
the Disaster Recovery this grant possible,” said Jill Ackerman, Marion Chamber
Fund, including president. “The opportunity it provided to our community
$42,500 to residents was deeply appreciated by the recipients. We know the need
and businesses will continue to exist as the community works towards
through the Disaster recovery.”
Recovery Grant
Program. The fund In addition to the grant awards, the Disaster Recovery
was set up just days following the August 10th Derecho storm Fund also awarded $10,000 to the Churches of Marion Food
and began receiving donations from across the country. Pantry to further their efforts, and $10,000 to Trees Forever
In November 2020, grant applications opened for Marion to help establish a canopy replacement program in Marion.
residents and small businesses. The grant program was
designed to aid the most severely impacted residents and The Chamber Foundation extends thanks to the grant
review committee: Theresa Bornbach, Laura Campbell,
Wendy Frese, Derek Jensen, Beth Nelson, and Scott Swenson.

businesses. Funds could be used for emergency housing
needs, insurance deductibles that the grantee cannot afford,
help with clean up, tree and debris removal, tree replacement
and/or property repairs that were caused by the disaster
and not covered by insurance. Following two grant cycles,

PROUD TO CONTINUE OUR FAMILY-OWNED Pictured L to R: Tami Schlamp, Marion Chamber. Jill Law, Churches of
Marion Food Pantry Board Member, Jill Ackerman, Marion Chamber.
BUSINESS IN MARION FOR 60 YEARS!

Pictured L to R: Tami Schlamp, Marion Chamber. Shannon Ramsey, Trees
adno=208351 Forever and staff.

MarionReachHigher.org 7

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

Freshen Up Your Local Game

Spring is around the corner, a time Here are a few more ideas to freshen You can also look through the Marion
when we all look to clean up, organize, up your local game and continue to Chamber’s Business directory at http://
or start something new. This can be in support small businesses: bit.ly/marionchamberdirectory.
your home, car, yard, inbox, or routine. • Find one new-to-you business in • F ollow them on social media. Like,
It’s also a good time to reflect back on comment and share their posts.
New Year’s resolutions. It’s been three Marion a month and visit. Need • S ign up for their newsletters. You
months, how are you doing? some inspiration? Check out the may get notified of sales, specials, or
Uptown Marion map for a list of local events first. Many businesses share
This year, we saw more and more businesses at https://uptownmarion. behind the scenes information about
people resolve to support local. Thank com/discover-uptown/district-map/. products and services.
you! If the past year taught us anything, • Leave a positive review. You can do
it’s the importance of supporting our this on their social media, or sites like
small, locally owned businesses in Google and Yelp.
Marion. The challenges they have • Recommend a Marion business to
faced with the pandemic followed by friends & family.
a natural disaster are catastrophic, and • S end the business a personal
they continue to work through these message. As a society we can be quick
challenges. to call out an error. Practice being
intentional about calling out the
Putting local first may be a change in awesome!
mindset for many, but it’s as simple as • Make a purchase from their shop!
dining in Marion, shopping in Marion,
or getting your car serviced in Marion.

Uptown Marion Market Returns
in New Location
Plans are in motion for another great season. Continuing to attract visitors to
year of the Uptown Marion Market! the area will be crucial to supporting
This year the market will temporarily small businesses.
move to a new location. With the Applications are currently open and
renovation to the Depot and several will be accepted as space allows. Visit
anticipated construction projects marioncc.org/vendor-information for
surrounding City Square Park, Uptown more information and the link to apply.
Marion Market will be relocating to the Uptown Marion Market is sponsored
corner of 8th Avenue and 12th Street. by Platinum Community Partners:
The fun, family-friendly event will Farmers State Bank, ImOn
also welcome back programming and Communications, MercyCare
entertainment. Community Physicians, Summit Pointe
The Chamber and Uptown Marion Senior Living, and Z102.9 with support
Main Street are committed to keeping from City of Marion Hotel/Motel Grant
events in the area through construction Fund.

8

Member Milestones

Marion Libruary Mindful Leadership

The Marion Public Library broke ground in October on a new 50,000 square foot Chamber Ambassadors helped Angie Chaplin, owner of Mindful Leadership,
building in the 1100 block of 6th Avenue. The new location will feature a flexible, celebrate the opening of her coaching and consulting practice, grounded in
open floor plan with collaborative learning spaces and specialty areas such as a leadership research and guided by mindful behavior.
demonstration kitchen and recording studio.

True Wealth Stewardship

Congratulations to Craig Adamson with True Wealth Stewardship, 888 10th St #101.
Craig celebrated 20 years serving clients in the Marion community.

YMCA Jersey Mike’s

The Marion YMCA celebrated the grand opening of their new facility at 3740 Irish Congratulations to Jersey Mike’s Subs, 6095 Carlson Way STE B. They celebrated the
Drive. opening of their first restaurant in the metro area with a ribbon cutting last week.
They join a lineup of new development in East Town Crossing on the east side of
Marion.

MarionReachHigher.org 9

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

Mental Health is Big Business

Mental health of employees employed by companies when the stressor is removed. up to speed and they aren’t
is at least in part the that have mentally healthy Chronic stress from 2020 performing well. Because of
responsibility of the employer workplaces work harder. and continuing into 2021 economic insecurity, we are
and should be a top priority They are more productive is causing different sorts of likely to see many of the lost
for businesses. Much like and make less mistakes. They problems from worsening work days being contributed
COVID-19, no one is immune enjoy being at work and physical and mental health, to presenteeism, especially
from the effects of stress. 2020 have loyalty and pride for grief, job loss and insecurity, due to working from home.
the company they work for, financial constraints, These employees are more
was a year which translates to retention childcare concerns, and many indecisive, they make more
unlike of clients and partners. They others. What happens to our errors, they have a harder time
anything network, they show up when brains when the stressor is not focusing or aren’t doing their
we had needed, and are willing to take removed? work and instead are engaging
ever seen on extra tasks to benefit the in self soothing behaviors (i.e.
before. It is company. They take less sick Prior to the pandemic, scrolling through Facebook,
impossible leave and are more pleasant to an estimated 217 million playing games, listening to
to escape be around. They stick around workdays in the United States podcasts). They are more
Amber Hoff the strain for a long time, reducing were lost due to mental health likely to be injured on the job
Sound Mind Therapy and stress cost of turnovers. These problems. Due to the effects of and more likely to respond
that has things all translate into better COVID-19, that number will poorly towards clients or
occurred business, more productivity, be much higher, even in the customers.
and will continue to occur and increased profit for the years to come. Most of these
for some time yet in 2021. company. people will not see a mental Often times their state
The impacts of prolonged How Does Prolonged Stress health professional. The of mind comes out in their
trauma and stress have been Present? impact of chronic stress often behaviors and moods. They
researched for decades, and shows up in the workplace experience mood changes
early numbers show that Prolonged stress not only as either absenteeism or such as increased irritability
mental health worsened affects an individual, but it presenteeism. or have uncharacteristic
dramatically in 2020. By affects literally every other changes in mood. They
knowing what a mentally system they are involved Absenteeism means that may regularly complain of
healthy workplace looks in. From relationships, to employees are not at work. headaches and fatigue, express
like and how to identify parenting, to work, to how They are taking sick leave, poor judgement, and be more
chronic stress in employees, they drive or the way they eat. short or long term disability, indecisive. They may even
businesses can create an Chronically stressed people utilizing inpatient or appear with poor boundaries,
environment that will lead to act differently than people outpatient services, attending such as employees coming
better productivity. who are not under stress. doctor appointments or into work late, leaving
Acute stress is short-lived and rehab. Presenteeism means early, or responding with
Mentally Healthy are the brain will go back to the they are at work physically, but inappropriate anger at
Workplaces normal, calm state of being not wholly at work mentally. something seemingly small
These employees are present, and unimportant.
Employees who Trust Us with your but they aren’t performing
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10

What Does a Mentally have found it beneficial to for bullying or harassment. self-care and boundaries
have cohorts or small groups • E valuate at work (and outside of
Healthy Workplace Do? where employees can check Physical work hours) and encourage
in to their groups and share Environment. Take time to employees to do the same.
• E ncourage Self Care. how they’re doing. improve the space to ensure Amber Hoff is a licensed
Remind and encourage • Provide An Open Door. employees are working marriage and family therapist
employees to take breaks, Employers should take and Owner of Sound Mind
provide perks when able (i.e. an active role in noticing in a safe and comfortable Therapy in Marion. If you
allowing earbuds, bringing what’s going on in the environment. When mental or your company would
in snacks/meals), educate office, consider an open- health is a priority at work, like resources or education
and encourage employees to door policy and check in the employees begin to trust regarding self-care or mental
utilize EAP or mental health with their employees, have and provide feedback to health in the workplace,
benefits. regular reviews and request employers on what they need please email amberhoff@
• S chedule feedback on the workplace or concerns they have. This soundmindtherapyia.com.
Educational environment/dynamics, working partnership leads For a listing of resources
Opportunities. Bring in acknowledge and validate please view this story at http://
mental health professionals employees, and be consistent to improved relationship bit.ly/MCMentalHealth
to provide trainings or when enforcing things such dynamics in the office and
educate employees on as a zero-tolerance policy higher work satisfaction in
the use of self-care and employees.
improving their mental • LeadbyExample.Employers
health. Some businesses need to demonstrate good

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Welcome New Chamber Members

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Marion, IA 52302 Marion, IA 52302 Hiawatha, IA 52233
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jerseymikes.com 319-373-1591 angiechaplin.com
lhatax.com
Naturally Gorgeous
by Wendy Swamp Fox West End Diner
Bookstore
319-427-1742 809 6th Ave
//Senegence.com/ 809 6th Ave #4 Marion, IA 52302
Marion, IA 52302
wendycrossett 319-892-3012
319-651-8536 facebook.com/
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MarionReachHigher.org 11

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

7th Avenue Streetscape & Plaza

With the final segment of 6th Avenue to be constructed in input, common themes and recommendations from previous
the spring of 2021, the focus turns to a complete reconstruction plans contributed to the creation of the plan’s four guiding
of 7th Avenue and adjacent side streets between 8th and 12th principles:
Streets in the heart of the central business district. It also
includes the addition of a plaza on 11th Street that stretches > Character of the District
from the Uptown Artway south across 7th Avenue. > Programming
> Redevelopment
“Marion is fortunate to be among the fastest-growing cities > Infrastructure.
in the state. While the rate of development can present unique An overarching goal of the project was to enhance the district
challenges, it is important for us as City leaders to balance the
maintenance and upkeep of what is already existing while being
visionary and forward-thinking to position our community for
future success,” said Marion Mayor Nicolas AbouAssaly. “This
is a project that is able to accomplish both.”

Initial estimates show a total project cost of $6.5 million.
This includes complete reconstruction of the right-of-way for
nine City blocks and the replacement of underground utilities,
sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water main, in addition to
construction of the North Plaza.

“This project replaces underground infrastructure that
is over 100 years old, improves walkability, accessibility and
overall safety,” said Community Development Director Tom
Treharne. “It also enhances our City’s core making it attractive
to potential businesses, visitors and residents.”

Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org/7thAveStreetscape.

UPTOWN MASTER PLAN UPDATE
The Community Development Department began working

with RDG Planning and Design in May 2020 to update the
Uptown Master Plan. The update focuses on the area between
7th and 15th Streets and between 5th and 8th Avenues. Public

12

for year-round enjoyment for all ages. The three plaza areas Arts Festival
depicted in the plan create a cohesive connection between the Continues
new Marion Public Library and shops and restaurants by way Mission With
of the 11th Street right-of-way. Outdoor dining and flexible Change
lawn space, a more defined bicycle route from Grand Avenue to
Indian Creek via 10th and 11th Streets , an event stage, outdoor
play features, gardens, and an ice trail enhance the program
offerings. Conceptual layouts of how vacant or underutilized
properties could be redeveloped, along with potential parking
opportunities are provided as part of the document. One key
recommendation within the update is to complete a parking
study once Uptown parking normalizes. This study will provide
insight into how parking is being utilized and how the City
should proceed with public parking accommodations in the
future.

HOW YOU CAN BE A PART OF THE GROWTH &
EXCITEMENT HAPPENING IN UPTOWN

1. Subscribe to updates - https://www.cityofmarion.org/
about-us/enotify

2. Continue to support small businesses, retail, & restaurants
Uptown through construction

3. Share your excitement for the project on social media
4. Participate in events and activities Uptown
5. Help set the tone. Construction can be frustrating but our
small businesses will be more successful with your help to stay
positive to your customers, employees, neighbors, media, and
friends.

PHELAN’S adno=207693 In 2021, the first goal of the Marion Arts Festival is to be
nimble. “Ever-changing public health protocols and the need
Our interior design ex- to shift from City Square Park to an alternate location finds
perts provide service you us creating a Plan B,” Deb Bailey, director of the event, said.
won’t find anywhere else. Scheduled for Saturday, May 15th, art lovers will enjoy browsing
and buying from a slate of high-caliber artists and participate
728 Third Ave. SE, in festival traditions, whether the event is held in-person or
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 online, or a combination.

319-363-9634 “We’ll be looking toward the best use of our resources
given the circumstances,” Bailey said. “Ultimately, the mission
www.phelansinteriors.com remains the same – to support artists, use creativity to benefit
the community, contribute to the vitality of Uptown Marion,
and demonstrate that the visual arts are entertaining and
accessible.”

Find the festival’s latest updates at marionartsfestival.com,
facebook.com/marionartsfestival, and Instagram.com/marion_
arts_festival. “Whether we meet outdoors or online, 2021 marks
our 29th annual event,” Bailey said. The 30th annual Marion
Arts Festival will be held Saturday, May 21st, 2022. Bailey
noted, “We have a long runway to plan the celebration!”

MarionReachHigher.org 13

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

Two New Restaurants Coming to Uptown

Frydae. Kelsie Hoth, owner of Frydae, was the recipient of a 2020
State Main Street Challenge Grant to help fund renovations to
the interior and exterior of 743 10th St, Marion.

The hip-stir.

“Finally Frydae” is the perfect phrase to encapsulate what A well known group of restaurateurs of the Cedar Rapids area
we’re feeling right now. This fun, unique, and entertaining street has announced plans to open a new location in Marion. The
fry and milkshake shop has plans to open in June 2021, and is former Ramsey’s location is currently under renovations for
proud to reintroduce Heyn’s premium homemade ice cream a new restaurant called ‘the hip-stir’. “We are excited to be in
to the Marion area. You can find classic ice cream and shake Marion to shake things up a bit and we look forward to being a
flavors on the Frydae menu, as well as fun “loaded” shakes staple in Marion for many years to come. We are bringing Caleb
like a unicorn, breakfast, or cookie monster inspired creation. Scales from Local Pour Street Food to manage the cocktail
Frydae will also feature scrumptious street-fry creations meant program and Tim Oathout, previously of, Zeppelins will be
for sharing… or not. Construction is underway at the Frydae managing the kitchen.” said co-owner Tim Kindl. Stay tuned
location, so keep your eyes peeled for big changes. for more details to come!

MLIA Alumni Leading the Way

Three Marion Leadership In Action Alumni have made a big Julie Albert of Robert Half; Madeline Jarvis of the Marion Public Library,
impact on the program since they graduated in 2019. The three and Amanda Zhorne of Swampfox Book Store kick off the current MLIA
became quick friends when they met in the Marion Chamber’s class.
9-month leadership program. They met knew people, became
more connected to the Marion community and had so much exactly what we hoped graduates of the program would do -
fun that when the program came to a close- they decided they find a place and plug in and lead!”
did not want the fun to end.
Interested in Marion Leadership in Action? Applications are
“Julie Albert, Madeline Jarvis and Amanda Zhorne are now open for the 2021-22 class beginning in September. Visit
three strong leaders who approached me about taking on a marioncc.org/leadership-in-action for more information.
leadership role with the program,” explained Jill Ackerman,
Marion Chamber President. “They offered to serve as mentors
for incoming classes, pick up lunches, touch base with speakers
and offer new program ideas. They have truly helped strengthen
the program for our organization.”

Marion Leadership In Action began in 2011, stemming off of
the Chamber’s Imagine8 program. The leadership program was
geared toward building a bench of community leaders to fill
various leadership roles in Marion. Over 125 people have gone
through the program, some have gone on to become elected
officials and serve on community boards and city commissions.

Ackerman commented, “These awesome women have done

14

New 3-Wheel Bikes Coming to
Marion in Spring

In August of 2020, Marion was such as transportation, public spaces, to become great places for all residents.
selected to receive an AARP Community housing, smart cities, civic engagement, AARP believes that communities
Challenge Grant. This “quick-action” coronavirus response and more. should provide safe, walkable streets;
grant will give the City of Marion four affordable and accessible housing and
electric 3-wheel bicycles for any resident It’s all part of AARP’s nationwide work transportation options; access to needed
to use and explore their recent additions on livable communities, which supports services; and opportunities for residents
to their city, such as trails, parks and the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, to participate in community life.
outdoor facilities. The bikes will be cities and counties across the country
available to rent, free
to Marion residents, at
the new Marion YMCA
this spring.

“We are incredibly
proud that AARP
selected The City of
Marion to receive this
grant,” stated Brooke
Prouty, Uptown Main
Street director & BPAC
committee member.
“AARP is a nationwide
leader on making
neighborhoods, towns,
and cities more livable
for all residents and we
are honored that they
see the tangible value
this project will bring
to our community.”

About the Community

Challenge
The Community
Challenge funds
innovative projects that
inspire change in areas Mayor AbouAssaly and City Manager Lon Pluckhahn test out the new bikes.

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MarionReachHigher.org 15

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