The approval this week by more than 76 percent of voters to use bonds to pay for a new wellness facility in Indianola is just the latest in a series of major economic development and quality of life projects now under way in the community, said Jerry Kelley, director of the Indianola Development Association.
The wellness facility caps more than $65 million in new construction and new development projects either under construction or in the planning stages for 2011, said Kelley.
“I am very excited for our new Wellness Center. I feel that we had an open process involving almost every facet of our community working toward a common goal. It is just a fun time to be part of the greater Indianola area,” said Indianola Mayor Kenan Bresnan
The 55,000 square-foot, $13 million wellness facility will be the anchor tenant in a major new development on the community’s north side. Indianola committed almost $1.6 million of tax incentives and infrastructure to serve the first 30-acre phase of the 152-acre Summercrest Hills development.
“The city is very excited to work with the developers on this first of its kind development in Indianola,” said City Manager Tim Zisoff. “We are confident in its future growth that will add tax base and jobs for our community.”
Only 11-acres of the original 30-acres of the development are still available, said Denis Frischmeyer, president of Downing Construction and part of the 360 Development Group for Summercrest. Tenants in the new development include Theisen’s, with a 65,000 square foot farm & home store, and Vintage Hills has built, and will add to, a new retirement and senior housing center. Additionally, another 22,300 square foot facility will be located at the corner of Hillcrest and Highway 65/69, said Frischmeyer, and the group continues to receive inquiries about locating in the development.
Other areas of the community are growing as well, said Kelley. Other projects in Indianola include:
- The Indianola School Community School District will take bids in mid-March for a $14 million expansion to the Middle School. A portion of the expansion will include a 32,000 square foot field house, courts for volleyball, basketball and other sports as well as enough space for indoor marching band practice and special events, said Darcy Moeller, Indianola Community School District business manager. The field house is the first project for the Indianola Community Youth Foundation, which has raised more than $500,000 toward matching the $1 million donation of Los Angeles Dodger third baseman Casey Blake and his wife, Abbie. “More than 65% of our high school and 90% of our middle school students participate in an activity that will benefit from the additional space,” said Moeller.
- Simpson College is constructing an 18,000 square foot, $6 million addition to the Blank Performing Arts Center, home of the world-renowned Des Moines Metro Opera.
- The college will break ground this year on the new $14 million Kent Campus Center, which is scheduled for completion by the fall of 2012.
- Indianola Municipal Utilities is studying how to extend its fiber-based commercial Internet & telecom service to individual homes. The service already provides speeds up to 100MB/second to more than 70 commercial and institutional customers. Expansion plans call for a system delivering a minimum of 40MB/second plus telephone and high-definition digital television to homes. “Indianola is tech-savvy and we look forward to entering these new markets,” said General Manager Todd Kielkopf.
“It is very exciting to see all of the new projects being developed in Indianola. Taken together, they will make our city a much better place for people of all ages to live, work, and learn,” remarked John Byrd, President of Simpson College.
Information about these projects can be found at www.developindianola.com. Executive Director Jerry Kelley can be contacted at 515 962 5015 or director@developindianola.com . “Indianola has come together as a community and created partnerships for a sustainable future and immediate opportunities for growth. This is one of the most positive and hopeful times in the long history of our city. If you are interested in quality of life, education and commerce we can meet your goals,” said Kelley.