Iowa Economic Development Authority Celebrates 2026 Main Street Iowa Development Award Winners

The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Main Street Iowa recently announced the winners of the 2026 Main Street Iowa Development Awards, recognizing outstanding efforts to revitalize downtown districts across the state. Two projects done in collaboration with RDG were recognized: Marion, Iowa’s Central Plaza, which received the Signature Project Award, recognizing projects demonstrating exceptional impact beyond traditional award categories, and Gray Moon Public Market, which received the Main Street Building Rehabilitation (over 5,000 population) Award.

Part of Marion’s broader Uptown Master Plan Update, the Central Plaza project grew out of the ImagiNEXT community initiative, building on the success of the previously completed North Plaza improvements to support year-round activity and community use. Officially opened in spring 2025, the project reimagines the park’s eastern edge and a segment of 11th Street as an active civic destination featuring an ice-skating loop, performance venue, water features, interactive play elements, public art, seating and other community amenities. Improvements also include enclosing the historic Depot Pavilion to create flexible event space and provide year-round public restroom access.

RDG Planning & Design led the design effort, with Rinderknecht Associates serving as construction manager. Throughout the process, the project team collaborated closely with a steering committee, technical committee, event planners and an art committee that guided the public art selection process. The project was recognized for its measurable impact on downtown vitality, its multigenerational and community-driven design and its strong example of collaborative leadership and strategic investment.

Gray Moon Public Market has transformed a former Montgomery Ward building on Newton, Iowa’s town square into a year-round indoor market and business incubator. The project focuses on restoring the structure’s original 1929 facade and key interior features, including the historic stairwell. The Art Studio at RDG contributed technical restoration work to the building, including replicating the original façade and decorative terra cotta pieces. 

Blending traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology, The Art Studio at RDG used digital scanning, CNC routing, hand sculpting and layered glazing techniques to recreate more than 140 custom terra cotta blocks. Each piece was carefully crafted to honor the building’s historic architectural character while supporting its next chapter as a community destination. Combined with broader window and interior rehabilitation efforts, the restoration helps revive the energy and optimism that once defined downtown retail in the early 20th century.

IEDA’s Main Street Iowa program celebrated its award winners during its 40th anniversary event on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in West Des Moines, Iowa. Eighteen projects received Main Street Iowa Development Awards, and 45 individuals and organizations were recognized with leadership awards for their contributions to local Main Street programs. Main Street Iowa supports locally driven revitalization efforts through four core focus areas — economic vitality, organization, promotion and design — helping communities strengthen downtown districts across the state.