 |
| 7th Avenue storefronts |
(1/8/2026) Uptown Marion has been a work in progress for more than a decade, so it was time for another visit. Two things stand out to me:
1. Developments have made good use of historic buildings, and new construction is compatible with the overall feel.
Someone who hasn't been to Marion in 20 years would definitely notice changes, but at the same time the place would feel familiar. Even where I'm not sure the project costs will be returned, like the redone City Square Park, the results are excellent.
 |
| Former location of Irwin's Clothing, 2016 |
 |
| Restoration Dental, 2026 |
 |
| Strip mall, 2021 |
 |
| Mixed use building, 2026 |
 |
| First United Methodist Church, 2016 |
 |
| condominium project, 2021 |
 |
| City Square Park, 2016 |
 |
City Square Park, 2026
|
 |
Hooray: it even has restrooms!
|
2. There are several residential neighborhoods that connect directly to Uptown.
In multiple directions, Uptown businesses are located directly by houses. That means a lot of people can walk easily to Uptown, so the effort required to get people there can be less intense, and parking facilities don't have to be intrusive.
 |
| 12th Street looking north from 9th Avenue |
 |
| 8th Avenue looking east from 13th Street |
 |
8th Street looking south from 6th Avenue
by the West End Diner
(where I had breakfast) |
The businesses in Uptown tend towards consumption--there is a lot of hair, and a lot of bars--but the public library is here, too, and schools are nearby, so nearby residents can do a lot without a car. (Truth in blogging disclosure: I personally take what hair I have to Trims salon in Uptown.)
3. Other observations
Public transportation options are not great...
 |
| I miss this bus stop: 1100 7th Avenue, pre-2017 |
...but there is an east-west trail through Uptown that goes a long way in both directions, and soon (this year or early 2027?) the CeMar Trail connection to Cedar Rapids will be complete.
The Art Alley, a concept ten years ago, has been fully realized, and is great.
 |
| Ordinary and unassuming alley, 2016 |
 |
| Fall: outdoor performance by Red Cedar |
 |
| Holiday lights, 2026 |
First Presbyterian Church has been in Uptown way before it was Uptown. When 140+ years old I am, look this good I will not.
 |
| First Presbyterian Church |
Uptown is home both to the new public library...
 |
| Marion Public Library, 1101 6th Avenue |
...and the vacant lot where the old one was:
 |
| 1000 block of 6th Avenue |
SEE ALSO:
No comments:
Post a Comment