GRINNELL CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT STREETSCAPE PROJECT
Grinnell, Iowa

In the spring of 2004, the City of Grinnell selected Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. to master plan and design the reconstruction of 13 blocks of their Central Business District. Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. studied the entire area and created a program of 4 phases of paving every other year to create a program that is economically feasible and not overly disruptive to the businesses and other uses in downtown Grinnell. Phase One includes the storefront to storefront construction of the main retail square including new sidewalks and streets as well as the replacement of sanitary sewer services, water main and services and storm sewer and services. New manholes and utility accesses are replacing the deteriorated structures. The City logo will be replicated in a Jewell box design constructed using pavers on a sand setting bed on top of a PCC base. Amenities such as benches, trash receptacles and bike racks have also been included. Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. also designed unique planters that will be specially built for the area and will double as seating.

Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. completed an analysis for the redistribution of traffic in the Central Business District. The redistribution occurred when the main square was proposed to change from a one-way system to a two-way system. Traffic volumes were predicted, intersections analyzed and final concepts established.

The majority of the streets are 60 feet wide with 45 degree angled parking with ten foot walks. One of the streets was 75 feet wide with steps on the one side of the street making access for pedestrians a challenge. Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. devised a solution that narrowed the street by 5 feet and eliminated the steps while improving drainage in the area.

Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. led an extensive task force input process and participated in one-on-one property and business owner meetings to inform them of the coming activities and to help establish expectations of the coming construction season. This forum also gave citizens a safe method to voice individual business or property needs or requests for the design team and the City to hear and contemplate.

Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. is also providing construction services that include administration, resident review and close-out services. The project is being funded by City GO bonds, Federal STP and Enhancement funds through the Iowa Department of Transportation. Veenstra &Kimm, Inc. was able to prepare the construction documents in a time frame that allowed for the advancement of the letting by one month from the original schedule.