T-R FILE PHOTO The Main Street reconstruction will be divided into three phases. The first phase will be on Center Street from State to Church streets. Phase two will encompass Main from Center to First Avenue, and the final phase will stretch from First to Third avenues

What an amazing night at the City of Marshalltown’s Open House on Oct. 22! Downtown building and business owners came together, brainstorming creative ways to keep access flowing during the upcoming Main Street Reconstruction–and it’s exactly the kind of energy we need to make this project a success. With ideas like these, we’re ready to tackle the future head-on!

Starting in the summer of 2025, we’ll launch the Main Street Reconstruction, and don’t worry — we’ve got a plan as smooth as a pumpkin spice latte. First, we’ll handle Center Street from State to Church Street, then shift to Main Street from Center to 1st Avenue. When 2026 rolls around, the 1st Avenue and Main Street intersection will be prioritized, keeping things humming as we finish up from 1st Avenue to 3rd Avenue. Here’s the kicker: you’ll still be able to stroll on sidewalks to get to your favorite spots about 98% of the time. And on the rare days when things are shifted, we’ll make sure you’re in the know!

And let’s talk parking — because we know everyone’s inner GPS needs to stay happy. The City is working on a parking plan so that construction workers have their spots, employees of the district know where to go, and you, dear customers, get the prime parking closest to businesses. We’re even looking at adding extra handicapped stalls and creating turnaround spots, so no one’s doing a three-point shuffle on Main Street when Center St. is closed off. Convenient? You bet!

To keep you in the loop, the City of Marshalltown, the Chamber of Commerce, and the MCBD are teaming up on a collaborative newsletter that will deliver all the updates you need right to your inbox. Sign-up info is coming soon, so keep an eye out! And don’t forget to follow your favorite downtown businesses on social media–they’ll be sharing plenty of news and fun along the way.

Now, we know parking might mean a few extra steps to your favorite shop, but hey–it’s summer, and think of it as a chance to soak up that Vitamin D! It’s no different than parking a bit farther out at IKEA or Bass Pro to snag that must-have item. Plus, those few extra steps give you just enough time to psych yourself up for the fantastic finds waiting inside.

One last thing: Let’s stick to sharing accurate information instead of guesses or “I heard that…” rumors. We’re in this together, and keeping things positive and accurate helps keep people coming downtown. Misinformation or negativity can dampen spirits and discourage visitors, and that’s the last thing we want for our businesses.

This is an exciting time for Marshalltown, and we couldn’t be more grateful for everyone’s support. Let’s keep showing up for downtown — before, during, and after the transformation. Together, we’re making Marshalltown an even better place to live, work, and visit!

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Deb Millizer is the executive director of the Marshalltown Central Business District.