The Market Street Landing Plan includes several transformative projects that will revitalize this area of Ottumwa's Riverfront.
An exciting Riverfront initiative is underway called Market Street Landing. This project is focused on revitalizing a specific, targeted area of the Ottumwa Riverfront, encompassing the city parcels to the east and west of Market Street Bridge on the north side of the Des Moines River. The plan envisions transforming previously underutilized parcels into vibrant, dynamic spaces that serve as a hub for recreation, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.
About The Project
The planning process for the Riverfront began in 2011 with a community-driven effort that led to the 2014 Riverfront Renaissance Plan. A plan that envisioned 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 the city. The designing was grounded in the principles of inclusion and participation with a public process that extended over several months, guided by Chattanooga Urban Designer Christian Rushing until his untimely death in 2017.
Fast forward to the present and you will see a renewed and exciting vision for Market Street Landing. Planning for Market Street Landing began in 2023 with the creation of the Riverfront Steering Committee and support from the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation. This initiative builds on the foundation laid by earlier planning efforts while addressing the immediate revitalization needs of this area.
Riverfront Steering Committee
The Riverfront Steering Committee is a diverse group of community leaders who have worked together to bring the Market Street Landing vision to life and reflect the values and needs of Ottumwa’s residents. Their combined expertise, commitment to Ottumwa, and collaboration with the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation and Genus Landscape Architects have been vital in shaping these exciting projects.