Marion seeks proposals to develop former library site into mixed-use complex

Marion is seeking proposals from developers to transform its old public library site into a mixed-use project that anchors the city’s Uptown District, complete with commercial and residential space that honors the historic character of the area.

The city of Marion, the Marion Economic Development Corp., the Marion Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Marion Main Street District — together as Team Marion — have issued a request for proposals for the 1.44-acre site, 1095 Sixth Ave., to identify developers or development teams who may look to redevelop the property.

Mayor Nick AbouAssaly said it’s an opportunity to do something that’s significant and moves Marion forward with that block, one of the most prominent in town. He said the Marion City Council opted to issue the request to allow developers to bring their ideas forward so the city can have a full selection of projects and ideas.

“With development, especially with a really key block in our Uptown, we get one chance to do it right,” AbouAssaly said. “ … We want projects to maximize the benefit for the community, and with a city-owned property like this, it’s our opportunity to ask for what we believe will be best.”

AbouAssaly said the city hopes to once again have commercial space on the south side of City Square Park with this project, and hopefully have a design that moves the city forward but complements the historic buildings in Uptown.

“We’ve made a lot of investments in the infrastructure and creating great spaces and place-making, and obviously this block is a big part of creating a sense of place in the Uptown area,” AbouAssaly said. “All of that will be a consideration.”

The city-owned site is located in the core of Uptown Marion, along the Sixth Avenue Corridor. At the northern edge of the site is the Grant Wood Trail, eventually connecting the site to the regional trail network.

This project will come online as Uptown Marion experiences growth. The city recently invested $6.9 million reconstructing streets and sidewalks on Seventh Avenue and side streets between Eighth and 12th streets and Sixth and Eighth avenues, ultimately redesigning Seventh Avenue as a “festival street” that can be closed for events. It added a plaza on 11th Street stretching from the Uptown Artway south across Seventh Avenue.

In 2024, the city is pursuing a transformative Central Plaza project, which will anchor six square blocks of Uptown and make the area a pedestrian-friendly space that’s ideal for events and other activities. More than $20 million worth of multifamily housing construction also is underway nearby.

MEDCO President Mark Seckman said there seems to be “pent-up interest” among developers and contractors in transforming the site. The right project would build momentum on all that’s already happening in Uptown, he said, hopefully also incorporating the area’s history in architectural elements.

“What we're looking for is a project that is going to be the most impactful project for Uptown Marion, in that it has the assets that will pull in everything that's happening with the new library and with the streetscaping and with Uptown and with City Square Park,” Seckman said.

Marion’s old library opened in 1996 and sustained major damage in the 2020 derecho, when it lost about 20 percent of its collection. It was demolished this spring. The city’s new library at 1101 Sixth Avenue, across from the old library, opened last November.

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When reviewing and scoring the projects proposed for the old library site, Seckman said Team Marion will review the proposals and select the one that will move forward.

The construction timeline depends on the proposals, but Seckman said the team would prefer to see crews break ground in fall 2024 or late summer 2024 if possible.

“It’s more important, though, that we get the right project and the most impactful project as opposed to the most expedient project,” Seckman said.

Proposals are due by 3 p.m. Jan. 12. Questions may be directed to Seckman by emailing mark@medcoiowa.org.

Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com