Vacant Downtown Lot to Be Transformed into Out-Door Community Gathering Space

Plans are underway to transform the vacant lot at 915 Main Street into a welcoming downtown gathering space following grant awards from the Grinnell College Mini-Grant Program and the Plant Iowa Beautiful Mini-Grant. 

The project received a $6,178 award through Grinnell College’s Mini-Grant Program for the “Grinnell’s Smallest Parklet” proposal, along with a $500 Plant Iowa Beautiful Mini-Grant through Keep Iowa Beautiful. 

The concept was recommended as part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority Downtown Assessment completed in June 2025. The project will activate an underutilized downtown lot by creating a free, community-centered outdoor space featuring picnic table seating, planters and flowers, lighting, and areas for gathering and rest. The space is intended to provide a welcoming place for residents, visitors, downtown employees, and shoppers to gather, particularly during evening hours.

While sometimes referred to as a “parklet,” the project is described as a flexible downtown gathering space designed to temporarily activate vacant property and support community use until future development occurs.

The temporary gathering space is designed to bring new life to the vacant lot until the site is developed. The space is designed as a movable, reusable community asset that can be relocated and adapted for future community uses over time. 

The Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative served as the lead coordinating and grant-writing partner for the project, working alongside the property owner, Nazareth Soberanes, a 2013 graduate of Grinnell College, and community partners to move the concept from recommendation to implementation. Ahrens Park Foundation will assist with installation support, while Prairie Thrift will lead ongoing beautification and maintenance efforts as part of its mission to reinvest in downtown vitality and community improvement projects. 

“This project is about creating a simple, welcoming place for people to gather downtown while also reimagining how underutilized spaces can serve the community,” said Delphina Baumann, Prairie Thrift Board Chair and Poweshiek Economic Development Board Member. “We are excited about the idea of creating Grinnell’s smallest park in the heart of downtown, a collaborative effort that reflects the creativity and momentum happening in Grinnell.”

A special thanks to the City of Grinnell for providing the picnic tables, Latitude Signage + Design for donating 50 percent of the cost for the project signage, and the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation for its partnership and support with the Plant Iowa Beautiful Mini-Grant application.

Project installation is anticipated early this summer.

Community volunteers are currently being sought to assist with planting, installation, and ongoing maintenance efforts. Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the project are encouraged to contact Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative by email at director@poweshiekdevelopment.com or call/text 641-260-1625