The event took place in the newly reconstructed parking lot behind the Tremont building. It was held to rejoice in the revitalization of the downtown district and acknowledge how far Marshalltown has come in three years since the tornado.

Amber Danielson, Director of the arts and cultural alliance, said art is a big part of the Downtown Master Plan. The parking lot behind the Tremont was another project included in the plan.

“This really is the first project fully implemented throughout the downtown master plan,” Danielson said. “To me it screams ‘We are recovering.’ We are coming back better than before. This is just the beginning of progress in downtown.”

The event featured performances from local musicians Austin Chadderdon and Bon Jecci. The backdrop to it all; a freshly painted mural spanning the south side of the Tremont. It was painted by Justin Nethercut, an artist from Baltimore.

Local musician Austin Chadderdon opened the Celebrate Downtown event with the mural by Justin Nethercut as his backdrop.

“It really is kind of the cherry on top to the finishing touch of this project,” Danielson said. “It’s been such a long journey and to see the paint on the wall and the reaction the community has had to this piece and their excitement, it’s been super exciting.”

Those who were able to attend were equally as excited to see the progress and the lively new space to gather.

“We’re so happy to see everything come back to life after the tornado and the derecho,” said Heidi Draisey. “We’re thrilled to be able to be down here and with each other. I feel this is just a testament to all the good that we’ve done, can do and will continue to do in the future.”

Kendra Sorensen said she loves the new mural and is excited for what is still to come downtown.

“It’s great that we’re going to have more of that open green space available. So you can have some of that outdoor element,” she said. “I just love Marshalltown for its diverse culture that we have and I really feel like this mural represents that.”

Before the music started playing, a ribbon cutting was held for the revamped parking lot. The parking lot was reconstructed by Con-Struct Inc. of Ames. Its reconstruction was funded in part by $290,000 from the State Revolving Fund and a $100,000 grant from the Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Water Quality Grant. The city also borrowed for the project.

“This project and this space has been an effort in the works for 2 years. It feels pretty good to see this come together and see people gather in this space,” Danielson said. “We really hope this is just the first of many events here.”

There will be more public art coming yet this year. Danielson said the arts and cultural alliance isn’t finished bringing murals and displays to town.

“We are wrapping up our mural season next week with three more murals. We’ll have a mural taking place at Thompson True Value, a mural at the Chop Shop in the 13th Street District and then a surprise. A lot in the works for the future as well.”

Children danced to the music played by local artist Austin Chadderdon during Celebrate Downtown on Thursday.