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A Vision for the Future

Marshalltown, Iowa, is a city with a progressive vision for the future, never wavering in its dedication to ensuring that community members of today and tomorrow are provided with an unmatched quality of life. New families and businesses are continually attracted to enterprising communities that exhibit a dedication to such areas as education, recreation, culture, natural and historical preservation, and well-planned economic development. With this knowledge, the city has implemented a number of essential initiatives to enhance the community’s vitality for residents, businesses and visitors alike. These additions and improvements are truly changing the landscape of this community—making it an all-around better place to live, work and play, and ultimately raising the standard of living in all directions.

A NEW LIBRARY

For more than a century, the Marshalltown Public Library has been an integral part of community life; however, the need for a new library became too great to go unnoticed with increased circulation and participation in youth and adult programs. Marshalltown has joined many other forward-thinking Iowa communities in realizing the importance of incorporating a modern, first-rate library in town. After much anticipation, the new $8.65 million Marshalltown Public Library opened its doors to the public in January 2009 as the first green library in Iowa. The establishment of this 39,000-square- foot, environmentally friendly facility has added considerably to the vibrant educational, cultural and recreational environment of Marshalltown and will continue to stand as a prominent resource for generations to come.

Affordable and easy access to technology is vital to the community of Marshalltown. Students, job seekers, business executives and visitors are now able to take advantage of Internet stations and free wireless access at the new library—a major advancement from the old library. Additionally, the incorporation of a flexible, 150-seat meeting room and four conference rooms have enhanced the offerings of downtown Marshalltown, allowing use for business functions, small meetings, tutoring and studying.

ENHANCING EDUCATION

In December 2006, voters approved a crucial $35 million bond issue for the Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD), which included several improvement projects on the district campus—also the home base for Iowa Valley Continuing Education and Marshalltown Community College. The bond issue was proposed to meet immediate and significant student needs throughout the district, as well as to provide increased value to the community.

Marshalltown Community College Improvements

The grand opening of the $6.5 million Marshalltown Community College Student Activity Center was held in October 2008. The modern, two-story athletic and wellness center is attached to the Babe Harder Memorial Complex gymnasium on the southeastern side of campus. Included in the facility are intercollegiate basketball and volleyball courts, spacious locker rooms, coaches’ offices, and a training room on the main floor, and a wellness center, indoor track and communal areas on the second floor.

In addition to the bond issue project, MCC started construction on its third student housing facility in the summer of 2007. The two-phase, two-year project is headed by students participating in the MCC Construction Technology program.

Iowa Valley Continuing Education Improvements

Opened in March 2008, the $2.15 million Business and Technology Center/Welding Lab has been a great addition to the opening, enhancing the IVCE program. Located on the northeastern side of the MCC campus, the 12,200-square-foot center houses a 3,600-square-foot, 24-station welding lab and student technology facilities, along with three classrooms, a 24-computer lab and office space.

SAVING A LOCAL LANDMARK

The $3.2 million Orpheum Theater Renovation Project is also an integral part of the IVCCD bond issue project. Nestled in downtown Marshalltown, the historic theater has undergone major renovations to be completed in December 2009.

In addition to enhancing the cultural and entertainment options of the downtown district, the refurbished Orpheum will serve as a significant link between Marshalltown’s present and future. Anchoring the eastern end of the community’s Historic District, the Orpheum will stand as an impressive welcome to downtown Marshalltown.

The updated theater will include a state-of-the-art Black Box Theater complete with dressing rooms, audio and video booths, a set design area, three learning studios, exhibit/ museum space, broadcast technology, a coffee shop, and a patio.

UPDATING THE INFRASTRUCTURE

Highland Acres Road

An exceptional example of Marshalltown’s commitment to future community development can be seen through the extensive infrastructure improvements on its western side. Highland Acres Road stands as one of three exits off U.S. 30 and is a logical location for a crucial north-south thoroughfare on the western side of the community. The project is anticipated to be complete in 2010.

INVESTING IN IOWA’S ENERGY FUTURE

Interstate Power and Light Company, and Alliant Energy company, is privileged to serve the community of Marshalltown and the State of Iowa with safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy service. IPL is proud of its energy partnership with Marshalltown.

For more than 50 years, IPL’s Sutherland Generating Station, located in Marshalltown, has played an important role in providing lowans with safe and reliable energy, producing enough energy to power approximately 130,000 homes.

IPL expects the Sutherland Generating Station to also continue playing an important role in meeting Iowa’s future energy needs. Recently, the company invested more than $30 million in new emissions control technology at the power plant to further reduce the facility’s impact on the environment. These types of investments position the Sutherland Generating Station to help meet Iowa’s long-term energy needs, further environmental responsibility, and foster a bright energy future for Marshalltown and the state.

The company remains committed to investing in Iowa’s energy future, exhibited by its $1 million investment in the Alliant Energy training center in Marshalltown.

Imagine 2011

Imagine 2011, an innovative approach to enhancing the quality of life in Marshalltown, is a grassroots effort to engage community members in a collective, community-wide planning process.

In total, more than 3,000 ideas were initially gathered from Marshalltown residents.

Current Highlights

Imagine 2011’s 7 Big Ideas add unmatched recreational, cultural, educational and entertainment outlets in Marshalltown, while at the same time incorporating the community’s preserved natural landscape. By taking advantage of its organic surroundings, Marshalltown has created a beautiful, natural environment that promotes outdoor activity and an overall walkable community.

Develop Linn Creek Riverwalk The committee has developed an exciting plan with a design firm to transform Linn Creek into a beautiful riverwalk, featuring a boardwalk, a pond, bridges across the creek, a band shell/amphitheater, a theme-based museum, retail and office spaces, and more.

Target on Beautification – 13th Street In conjunction with a planning and design firm, the committee has devised a plan for the 13th Street neighborhood in town. The plan involves improved parking, a community gateway to the area, a footbridge and a plaza, among further enhancements. This traditional neighborhood commercial district serves as the gateway to the Iowa Veterans Home.

Develop Riverview Park and Beautify North Entrance The idea is to showcase the northern entrance to the park by incorporating pedestrian-friendly walkways and developing such park features as hiking/biking trails, a skateboard park, a splash pad, expanded camping amenities, a boat ramp, canoe rentals and further improved facilities.

Additional ideas include improved schools, downtown redevelopment, a pedestrian- and bicycling-friendly community, and development of a recreational lake in southern Marshall County.The vision of the Imagine 2011 concept is to move Marshalltown into the future by focusing on sustainable community development—meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Preserved natural and historic resources, available employment, safe neighborhoods, fortified public education, updated transportation, access to advanced healthcare, and further opportunities for establishing an improved quality of life are all important aspects behind the mission of Image Ideas—and the current and future development of Marshalltown.