New Project Revealed for Former Marion Library Site

As the new Marion Public Library takes its place at the heart of a rapidly evolving Uptown neighborhood, city leaders have unveiled plans for the land where the old library once stood.

New Mixed-Use Project Proposed in Marion

The Corridor Business Journal reports that preliminary plans and renderings have been released for a proposed project on the land that used to be home to the old Marion Public Library. The new structure would sit at the corner of 11th Street and 6th Avenue, and would include a single-story retail and restaurant space with rooftop space included. A three-story 63-unit apartment building would also be part of the project, according to the CBJ.

The Project Is Still Under Development

The CBJ reports that city leaders say that the project is still in preliminary stages. Officials say that while a development agreement is in place, as are the financials, the transfer of the city-owned property has not yet been done. The price tag of the proposed project is approximately $21 million.

When Will Construction Star?

The CBJ reports that under the current project timeline, developers would apply for state incentives as early as summer 2026, with a potential groundbreaking by the middle of 2027. According to the CBJ, the Kilbourne Group of Fargo, North Dakota, will serve as developer with Dubuque-based Gronen serving as contractor.