Thanks to Clothesline Laundromat for their support.
After several delays and false starts, the former YMCA property is finally moving forward with redevelopment. The project, known as 150 Thompson, includes market-rate apartments, townhouses, a sit-down restaurant, and public park space.
What do you think: There’s another opportunity to give input through an online survey and an open house on Wednesday, June 18 from 5-7 p.m. at city hall.
Park Concepts
The city’s online survey is focused on refining the public park space concepts. They have two concepts, which were whittled down from seven sketches. Both designs include:
- Restroom and concession building
- Picnic shelter
- Seating plaza
- Event lawn
- Bandshell
- Hillside play
- Hammocking area
- Shade trees
- Sidewalk/trails
- Art
- Signage
The “spillway” concept features:
- Unique splash pad/water feature and creekway
- Urban “beach” sand area with lounge chairs
- Pond overlook
- Large “feature/showcase” playground
- Approximately 50 parking stalls
The “drift” concept features:
- New large stormwater pond
- Existing pond overlook
- Half-court basketball
- Table games (table tennis, chess, etc)
- Grove seating area
- Approximately 30 parking stalls
Progress so far: This project goes back to 2018 when Hy-Vee purchased the YMCA, demolished it in 2020, abandoned their plans in 2022, and then city bought the property for redevelopment. Opportunities for public input have included a 2023 open house, an environmental review, and an open house last month.
What’s next: The full project will likely come before the Environmental Committee, Planning Commission, and City Council this summer. At least that was the timeline pitched to City Council in May—these projects can often be delayed, as we’ve already seen.
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