Riverfront Development History
In 2014, the Ottumwa community began a process to envision the future of Ottumwa’s most important natural resource – the Des Moines River. This process was designed to consider the reuse and development of the land adjacent to the three miles of river that flow through city limits, while promoting recreation, mobility, economic development, and conservation.
The planning process was grounded in the principles of inclusion and participation, with a public process that extended over several months. The work produced by the citizenry formed the basis for the development of the 2014 Riverfront Renaissance Plan. Guided by Chattanooga Urban Designer Christian Rushing until his untimely death in 2017. The goal of the plan was to build on Ottumwa’s rich history, strengths, and unique characteristics to create a blueprint for the revitalization of the community to be implemented as time and resources allow.
In 2019, revitalization efforts were focused on downtown and the north side of the Des Moines River. To guide efforts, Vandewalle & Associates were engaged. Vandewalle & Associates conducted a thorough analysis and provided a report highlighting top opportunities for development along the river. This report served as a blueprint for the creation of a Riverfront Steering Committee and multiple implementation teams to guide and assist in the project’s development.
The Riverfront Steering Committee continues to work hard to keep this project moving forward.
The group has been visiting similar communities to learn from their successes and best practices and understand how they were able to make the Riverfront a more enjoyable space. The group has also been working in close collaboration with GENUS, an architectural planning and consulting firm, to develop a comprehensive and achievable plan that meets the needs of our community.
Our plan includes highlighting modern housing options, promoting accessibility for all residents by connecting our trails system and creating convenient parking, creating a downtown, north and south connection, incorporating fishing and wildlife viewings, and creating a riverfront park that will provide a welcoming and inclusive space for all to enjoy.
Modern Housing at the Riverfront
In today’s economy, it is imperative to attract and retain young professionals to the area to fill positions at regional employers. The availability of desirable housing that fits the lifestyle of working millennials and young professionals is an essential factor in attracting young talent. Riverfront apartments with accessibility to retail amenities, bike trails and nature, downtown entertainment, and public transit are highly desirable to the demographic. In addition, many empty nesters looking to downsize also find the lifestyle offered by riverfront apartments appealing. Visioning efforts identified multiple opportunities for modern, desirable housing along the Des Moines River.
The Ottumwa Riverfront is an asset enjoyed and appreciated by the entire region. In the past, many individuals and organizations have contributed time, energy and resources to strategize on ways to enhance and revitalize the riverfront area for the benefit of the community. Visioning and conceptual plans represented on this website were initiated by the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation with assistance from Genus Landscape Architects. In addition, the following community leaders have been instrumental throughout the planning processes.
Riverfront Steering Committee
Tim Albert, Ottumwa Water Works
Holly Berg, Rippling Waters
Chris Bowers, Area 15 Regional Planning
Zenna Boyd, JBS
Laura Carrell, Meet Ottumwa
Kelly Genners, Legacy Foundation
Kim Hellige, Wapello County Trails Council
Mayor Rick Johnson, City of Ottumwa
Phil Rath, City Administrator
Gene Rathje, City of Ottumwa Parks Department
Larry Seals, City of Ottumwa Public Works Department
Zach Simonson, City of Ottumwa Planning Department
Fred Zesiger, Main Street Ottumwa
Parting Reflections
The Riverfront Steering Committee remains committed to revitalizing the riverfront area and creating a vibrant, welcoming space that enhances the quality of life for all residents of the community.
We understand that the revitalization of the riverfront area is a significant undertaking, but we are confident that every project will continue to improve the aesthetics of the community and build a beautiful space for future generations to be proud of.
Please check back for updates on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I noticed that some of the amenities that currently exist on the riverfront are not represented in the renderings, does that that mean they are being eliminated?
A: There are no plans to eliminate any of the amenities currently located on the riverfront. There may, however, be a relocation of these amenities if it is determined that a more suitable location exists.
Q: This riverfront project looks expensive, what is the benefit of this type of community investment?
A: There are many benefits. The project provides life to a new use for the riverfront. We used to depend on it for industrial power and transit. Today, people want to live and enjoy life by the water and be in it. This brings more people to Ottumwa to work, go to college, and retire in the city or the region. The mixed-use (commercial and residential) buildings bring significant tax base to unused City-owned property. The market-rate (not subsidized) renters bring more disposable income into the Central Business District, which may broaden shopping and entertainment choices for all Ottumwans and our tourists/visitors. The development itself will spur more redevelopment of historic buildings in the riverfront area. All Ottumwans can enjoy an increased quality of life with new event and gathering spaces and an enhanced riverfront segment of our trail system. All of this new private and public investment helps to create and enhance the amenities that people look for in a place to live, no matter the size or location of the city.
Q: What is the point of developing the riverfront, isn’t it just going to flood at some point anyway?
A: The river is an unpredictable natural resource and history tells us that flooding is inevitable which is why flood mitigation is an integral element of the project.
Q: I noticed that an emphasis of the project is the application of a BUILD grant. What happens to the project if Ottumwa is not awarded the BUILD grant?
A: While being awarded a BUILD grant would certainly speed up the timeline on some of the elements of this project, there are many components that can be facilitated with or without the grant – either with other funding resources or economic development tools.
Q: I was very excited when the Riverfront Renaissance plan was developed back in 2014 but this current riverfront plan doesn’t include all of the elements that plan did, why is that?
A: The Riverfront Renaissance plan is very exciting and will take many years to execute. Narrowing the scope of this plan to a more manageable one will help the City of Ottumwa to incrementally achieve success.
Q: Are the designs in the drawings final?
A: No, the renderings that currently exist are conceptual only. They illustrate the potential that could be realized through the riverfront project. More finalized renderings will be a result of additional public input.
