Marion is a community with deep roots, reminding us of Marion's heritage and connection to the railway, but also beaming with new life. These ideas can be seen in RDG Planning + Design's Uptown Master Plan Update and Streetscape Plan/7th Avenue Street Improvements Project through the use of the symbolic roots and the creation of a unique destination located in the heart of the community. 

Anderson-Bogert and RDG Planning & Design have assisted the City by taking ideas from previous plans and moving them forward into engineering documents to be used for the construction of the 7th Avenue Streetscape and North Plaza. Implementation plans included within the Uptown Master Plan will provide the City with a guide for accomplishing the remaining elements, including the Central Plaza and South Plaza.

“Marion is fortunate to be among the fastest growing cities in the state. While the rate of development can present unique challenges, it is important for us as City leaders to balance the maintenance and upkeep of what is already existing while being visionary and forward-thinking to position our community for future success,” said Marion Mayor Nicolas AbouAssaly. “This is a project that is able to accomplish both.”

This proposed investment of $6.5 million in the community's core includes complete reconstruction of 7^th Avenue and adjacent side streets between 8^th and 12^th Streets and 6^th and 8^th Avenues in the heart of the central business district. It also includes the addition of a plaza on 11^th Street that stretches from the Uptown Artway south across 7^th Avenue.

“This project replaces underground infrastructure that is over 100 years old, improves walkability, accessibility and overall safety,” said Community Development Director Tom Treharne. “It also enhances our City’s core making it attractive to potential businesses, visitors and residents.”

Presentations:

View the presentation and input session that occurred on January 14, 2021 below to learn more about the project.

Past Meetings:

• Feb. 15, 2022 - RDG Planning & Design gave a presentation to City Council regarding the final design of Central Plaza. The presentation highlighted the concept derived from the adopted Uptown Master Plan, ideas within the Uptown Master Plan that need to be further studied, the scope of the Central Plaza final design plan, and the process and schedule for completing the final design.
   
• Jan. 12, 2021 - The Planning & Zoning Commission met at their regular monthly meeting and recommended approval of the Uptown Master Plan Update.   

• Jan. 14, 2021 - City Staff and RDG Planning & Design held an Uptown Marion Street Improvement Presentation & Input Session which included a presentation with interactive polling questions. For those unable to make the presentation and input session, we will be providing a link to the presentation for viewing within the following days. Check out our Streetscape & North Plaza page for more information regarding the project.
  
  
• Jan. 21, 2021 - City Council set the Uptown Master Plan Update public hearing date for Feb. 4, 2021 where they will consider the adoption of the Plan. 
   
• Feb. 2, 2021 - A brief presentation of the Uptown Master Plan Update was given by RDG Planning & Design during the Council Work Session. 
  
  
• Feb. 4, 2021 - City Council adopted the Uptown Master Plan Update.

Information will continually be added to to the Uptown Marion: 7th Avenue Streetscape & Plaza Project pages as the various elements of the project proceed from conceptual design into construction. For additional information or questions regarding the project feel free to email us.