Camiros worked with City staff and a local Steering Committee to develop an action plan that identified goals and initiatives aimed at restoring focus on downtown Fort Dodge. Fort Dodge, Iowa is facing issues all too common to mid-sized, post-industrial cities in the US. The City’s downtown is oversized relative to the current population, and commercial development on the urban fringe is making it difficult for downtown retail to thrive. Fortunately, Fort Dodge is rich with history and character, and is led by local officials who recognize the importance of an active and vital downtown for retaining residents and drawing visitors.
Revitalizing downtown Fort Dodge requires overcoming many challenges, including an inadequate public transportation system, an underutilized waterfront, and a lack of housing opportunities for professionals working in the region.
As a result of the planning process, Camiros recommended transportation enhancements to bring people in and out of downtown, a new Central Park, and a renewed waterfront with an ecological preserve. New housing was also proposed, situated to take advantage of scenic viewsheds along the Des Moines River corridor. Design guidelines included policies to ensure new development complements the historic character of the downtown core.
Finally, a detailed action plan identified strategies to help attract new housing and retail development to the downtown. Camiros was honored to receive Iowa APA Excellence Award for Best Practice for the Fort Dodge Downtown Plan.
