Reynolds, Gregg in Marion Tuesday for ribbon cutting

MARION - Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg are expected to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Cobban-Hervey Building in Marion at 3 p.m. Tuesday. The building is located at 1138 Seventh Ave. in Uptown Marion.

The renovation was made possible through investments of Barker Cos. and a $55,000 Challenge Grant through Main Street Iowa to restore the facade and upper level of the building. Constructed in 1872, the Cobban-Hervey building originally contained two storefronts and a second-story that once served as a popular social hall.

The building will be home to a second location for Urban Pie Fast Fired Pizza, and new offices of Anderson-Bogert Engineers on the second story. Most recently, the tenants included Parks & Schmit Orthodontics, which recently relocated to Tower Terrace Road, and Sorg Pharmacy.

'Historic building renovations are an important part of our main street district,” said Brooke Prouty, Uptown Marion director. 'Investments by groups like Barker Cos. help maintain our historic identity, drive economic development in Uptown and act as a catalyst for additional private investment.”

Since 2013, Uptown Marion Main Street has received a total of $205,000 in Challenge Grants and seen nearly $8 million in private investment.

The public is invited to attend the celebration. In preparation of the event, Seventh Avenue will be closed to traffic from 2:30 to 4 p.m. between 10th and 12th streets. Parking will be available on surrounding streets and in the lot east of the library on Sixth Avenue.

Reynolds also plans to be on hand at 4:30 p.m. for the opening of Associated Builders & Contractors new Iowa Training Center in Hiawatha.