Articles Tagged: Uptown Marion

With new barbecue burners and ventilation at 14 tables, customers will be able to grill Korean meats and vegetables at their own tables starting in mid to late April.

After several cafe partnerships and two openings at the University of Iowa, The Eat Shop is opening a new flagship location in Linn County to serve offerings from every other location -- plus a few new things.

After seven years at the helm of Brooke Prouty, Uptown Marion Main Street came under the direction of new program director Lacey Shroeder in August. Here’s what she sees in Uptown Marion’s future, and what residents want to see in ongoing developments.

Attendees can enjoy beer, learn about craft brews from representatives at each brand, listen to live music by Lyle Beaver and the Brass Notes, and play traditional German games like hammerschlagen and stein holding.

Lacey Schroeder has been hired as the new Uptown Marion program director starting Aug. 21. She succeeds Brooke Prouty.

The Marion restaurant plans to broaden its service area and catering abilities, thanks to a $10,000 grant.

Now in a new location, the business that has passed through several owners since the 1980s has a chance to offer a new experience in sweets. Marion Chocolate Shop’s new kitchen is crafting an improved recipe that uses fewer ingredients and preservatives.

Also, a meeting Wednesday will share information about a proposed new solar project in Linn County.

After guiding the district through its most formative years, Brooke Prouty is ready to help cities across Iowa with the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Crews earlier this spring broke ground on the approximately $8.35 million project to transform Marion’s City Square with a new Central Plaza. What’s happened so far?

Preliminary findings from an Uptown Marion parking study show ample parking remains in much of the city’s central district during peak hours, but suggests strategies such as parking partnerships with private businesses and improved wayfinding signage.

Despite worries that the transformation of the historic Marion Methodist Church into Belltower Lofts apartments would worsen Uptown parking, the Marion City Council unanimously approved the site plan for the project this week.

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

“This is the perfect event to shop and dine in Uptown and see the new streetscape lit up at night,” said Brooke Prouty, Uptown Marion Main Street director.

Corridor communities like Marion and Coralville are learning the keys to creating a a vibrant downtown after the pandemic. Having a variety of uses in the heart of a city is key to attracting people to want to spend time in the central business districts, their leaders say.