Merle Hay Corridor Project Expected to Unfold Over 20 Years, but It Needs Support First

Johnston City Council members are hoping to redevelop the Merle Hay Road corridor and create a "front door" to the community. 

The city will have a chance to if the council approves a long-term draft plan for renovating a section of the road, reviewed at Monday night's meeting, according to the Des Moines Register.

The plan outlines future development along the Merle Hay Road “gateway” – around 123 acres of land between the Interstate 80/35 exit onto the road and Johnston’s Northwest 55th Avenue, the article said. The plan presented Monday was created from three scenarios presented to the council in March.

The main goal of the plan will be to capitalize on Beaver Creek, the article said. It calls for a new outdoor-themed hotel and conference center, and will be anchored by two main stores, a public park and could feature a biking track, skate park or dog park.

How to make the project successful remains the biggest question, the Register reported. If the plan is approved in September, it will likely unfold over a 20-year period.

Major retailers, a hotel developer, and community members will have to be on board and help anchor the project. Finding partner agencies will be critical to the project, Council Member Tom Cope said during the meeting.