OTTUMWA, IOWA (Excerpts from ktvo.com) — City leaders are hoping to invest big in the area surrounding Ottumwa’s train station. The drafted design of the opportunity (identified by Vandewalle & Associates in the city’s 2019 Opportunity Analysis) includes added space for residential and commercial development along Ottumwa’s riverfront.
Current plans also include the renovation of existing buildings to make room for more dining and shopping options.
“Right now, we want to capitalize on whatever we think our strengths are,” Flanagan said. “The rail depot, the river, the potential river walk, our downtown efforts with beautification downtown bring people in, get them to visit, and think about staying.”
City planners have until July 2020 to apply for a $20 million Build Grant, which would help Ottumwa move forward with these plans. Vandewalle & Associates is assisting with this process.
