Public Projects

CEMAR Trail Extension to CR

The CeMar Trail is meant to connect Downtown Cedar Rapids with Uptown Marion. The portion of the CeMar Trail within Marion City limits will utilize easements from private property owners, City park land, and former railroad property. The last phase, south of Highway 100, will begin after easements have been obtained and construction of a sanitary sewer trunk line is complete in 2025. Funding for the final phase of the CeMar Trail includes a portion of the Destination Iowa grant Marion received in 2022, a Surface Transportation Program grant, and local funds provided by the City of Marion.

Learn More Here

7th Ave Reconstruction (12th - 22nd St)

The 7th Avenue reconstruction project from 7th Street to 12th Street was completed in 2022. The next phase of the project is to reconstruction 7th Avenue from 12th Street to 22nd Street. The project is currently being engineered with expected start date within the City's 2027 fiscal year. 

South Plaza Project

In 2021, the City of Marion completed the Uptown Master Plan. The plan calls for a variety of community spaces throughout the Uptown district. The South Plaza is the third phase of the Uptown Plaza project. Construction of this phase will depend on the public private partnership with the developer of the former library site just south of Marion Square Park. See page 72 of the Uptown Master Plan. 

Uptown Master Plan

Private Redevelopment Projects

Former Library Site  (City Owned)

Former Marion Public Library Site Redevelopment
A new mixed-use development is being explored for the former Marion Public Library site on 6th Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets. In partnership with the City of Marion, Gronen and Kilbourne Group are leading the conceptual project, which aims to bring new energy to this key Uptown Marion corridor.
The proposed development includes market-rate housing, structured parking, and vibrant commercial space designed to complement City Square Park’s Central Plaza and strengthen the connection between the Uptown District and surrounding destinations. As plans continue to take shape, the project represents an exciting opportunity to create a new destination that supports local businesses, adds housing options, and enhances the walkable character of Uptown Marion.

Belltower Lofts

After years of neglect, Conlon Construction purchased the 1896 former Methodist Church, which had extensive Derecho damage. The building plans call for 55 rental units and common spaces and received a CDBG-DR grant for state disaster recovery housing. The project also received brownfield tax credits from the IEDA. High Properties and Martin Gardner Architecture are working with Conlon and the City to save this historic landmark in the Uptown District.  Project plan review will take place early 2024 with an expected Spring construction start date.

Broad & Main on 6th

Broad & Main on 6th will add 41 luxury apartments, offering a mix of one- and two-bedroom units with underbuilding parking and 3,000 square feet of commercial space adjacent to the Central Plaza. The building will mirror Broad & Main on 7th, adding a cohesive appearance to the block. The project is on track to be completed fall of 2026.

Hoth Flats

Hoth Flats received a CDBG-DR grant for state disaster recover housing in 2022. The project, located at 8th Avenue and 10th Street, calls for a 3 story building with underground parking for 20 housing units. As of December 2023, final plans have not been submitted.
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