Grinnell Central Business District

The City of Grinnell selected V&K to plan and design the reconstruction of 18 blocks of their Central Business District. Phases One, Two, and Three included the storefront-to-storefront reconstruction of the main retail square and blocks to adjacent state highways. The project included improvements throughout—new sidewalks and streets, replaced sanitary sewer services, water main, and storm sewers. New manholes and utility accesses replaced the deteriorated structures. 

The city logo was replicated in a Jewel box design, constructed using sealed pavers on a sand setting bed on top of a PCC base. Amenities included benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, and V&K-designed planters that were specially built for the area and will double as seating. V&K also devised a solution that narrowed the street by 5 feet and eliminated the steps while improving drainage in the area. V&K also provided construction services including: administration, resident review, and closeout services. 

For coordination within the community, V&K’s task force participated in one-on-one meetings with citizens and business owners prior to the construction of each phase to help establish expectations. 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 consider. V&K also provided construction services including: administration, resident review and closeout services. The project was funded by City GO bonds, Federal STP, and Enhancement funds through the Iowa Department of Transportation.