The City of Indianola’s Square Streetscape Master Plan was recognized with the Planning Award for Urban Design by the American Planning Association – Iowa Chapter Thursday morning. This award honors efforts to create a sense of place, whether a street, public space, neighborhood, or campus effort. Criteria include originality and innovation, compatibility, effectiveness and results, and public engagement.
Warren County’s decision to demolish their courthouse and replace it with the justice center facility significantly impacts the downtown square’s appearance and function. It is currently a two-lane, one-way directional square with angled parking on both sides. The interior angled parking does not appear to meet any established dimensions and includes a mid-block pedestrian crossing with no areas for refuge on either side.
Bolton & Menk worked with city staff and local steering committees made up of business owners, residents, and interested parties to develop the best outcome. A series of meetings were held to discuss historic elements, current challenges, and the area’s overall functionality. Our team took the information gathered and created a variety of viable concepts for the square.
The preferred alternative features two-way traffic, parallel parking on the square’s business side, angled parking on the inside of the square, bump-outs with colored crosswalks for pedestrian safety, signage/wayfinding locations, and landscape improvements. There are also options to use outdoor space for dining, sales, and demonstrations. The plan developed provides an opportunity to create safe and sustainable streetscape enhancements Indianola residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come.
