Johnston Prepares Development Plan For Town Center Area

JOHNSTON, IA — An area of Johnston being studied for redevelopment could bring a downtown, small-town feel to the community and city leaders are seeking public input on concept and design guidelines before a plan is adopted. The Merle Hay Road Town Center area encompasses roughly 30 acres, most of which is on the east side of Merle Hay Road between Northwest 62nd Avenue and Northwest 63rd Place.

The main focal point of the redevelopment site would be the intersection of Merle Hay and Northwest 62nd. A smaller area to the southeast of the intersection also is included in the plan.

The proposed mixed-use area shows 76,000 square feet of commercial and office space and 33,000 square feet of public use and green space. The retail and restaurant space would front Merle Hay Road, with green space to the east and indoor/outdoor special event buildings beyond that further east. Mixed-use buildings would lie to the north and south

The plan also incorporates canopied parking, sculpture and public art locations, a recreational trail and shelter, and amenities such as gateway features, a bandshell and small amphtheater, a public fountain and a corner feature at the main intersection.

City officials have worked with landscape architects and urban planners for about a year to identify the best use of the area. The project began after a citizens survey in 2015 showed 79 percent of residents want to see more retail and dining options in the community. City officials believe the Merle Hay location is the best location for such businesses and began focusing efforts on redevelopment of that area.

Area residents can provide feedback at informational kiosks at City Hall, 6221 Merle Hay Road, and the Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road; by completing an online survey; or by contacting city Economic Development Manager Adam Plagge at aplagge@cityofjohnston.com or calling 515-727-7774. City staff also will schedule time for presentations to local business and community groups if requested.

Market study and design guidelines, plus a presentation to the city by the planning firm Confluence that was hired by the city, can be found online.

Public comment also will be accepted when the redevelopment is discussed at two upcoming meetings: 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Planning and Zoning Commission and 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at the City Council meeting. Both meetings will be held in City Hall.

City officials have said creating elements of the plan could take 10 to 15 years. The city also has a redevelopment plan in the works at the southern end of Merle Hay Road from Interstate Highway 35/80 to Northwest 55th Avenue that would take a similar amount of time. That area would have more of a regional and recreation destination focus.

Images provided by City of Johnston