Uptown Marion Reconstruction Brings Big Plans With It [PHOTOS]

If you've traveled through Marion recently, you've seen the barricades preventing you from going through the uptown area. That's because a MAJOR construction project is underway. The photo above, provided by the City of Marion, shows the scope of the work that's happening.

Marion is one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa and Community Development Director Tom Treharne says,

This project replaces underground infrastructure that is over 100 yeares old, improves walkability, accessibility, and overall safety. It also enhances our City's core making it attractive to potential businesses, visitors, and residents.

The city is doing the reconstruction of the public right-of-way of nine city blocks in Marion. The cost is approximately $6.5 million, according to the city website. The impacted streets are:

• 7th Avenue between 8th and 12th Street
• 9th Street between 6th and 8th Avenue
• 10th Street between 6th and 8th Avenue
• 11th Street between 7th Avenue and Uptown Artway (will be the North Plaza--see photo below)
• 12th Street between 6th and 8th Avenue

Central Plaza is planned for the 11th Street area, between 6th and 7th Avenue and an eastern portion of City Square Park. Though not finalized, plans call for an event stage, festival and market tents, water features, and more.

It's important to note that not everything you see in the renderings below is set in stone, i.e. finalized, at this point. However, big changes are coming to Uptown Marion and the plans look amazing.

You can see what's happening in the construction this week HERE.