The new 100th Street interchange off of I-35/80 has been creating a lot buzz for the southwest corner of the Johnston community. Located near 100th Street and NW 54th Avenue is the West Park Office Building and West Park Office Plaza, both which provide a great opportunity for future development in Johnston.

At their April 30th meeting the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the proposed site plans for a 3,900 square foot building that would house a dental office. The operating title presented to the Commission was Dental Studios of Iowa. The property, located at 5495 NW 100th street in the West Park Office Plaza. is currently owned by All Pointes Development LC / Knapp Properties according to documents published by the City of Johnston and the Polk County Assessor.

A business entity search on the Secretary of State web site shows that three companies with a variant on the name Dental Studio of Iowa/Central Iowa/Johnston have registered in 2018.

Attention Developers and Investors. The City of Johnston has formally posted a Request For Qualifications (RFQ) relating to the Johnston Town Center Project. This project is a primary focus of development for the community, and the City of Johnston is seeking qualified partners to develop the area located at the intersection of Merle Hay Road and NW 62nd Ave. Interested parties are asked to respond no later than NOON on Monday, May 7, 2018.

In conjunction with the release of this RFQ, the City has modified its TIF policy to provide additional benefits for projects in the Town Center and Merle Hay Road Gateway areas.  Specifically, projects will be considered for funding up to the equivalent of 75% of the segregated incremental property taxes for up to ten (10) years. The city will also consider mutually beneficial infrastructure improvements for which the incurred costs may be discounted against other TIF funding.

This location is a primary node of traffic and activity in the community, and several high quality multi-family housing projects have recently opened in the vicinity (Cadence and 62W). A Community Survey conducted in 2015 revealed that 79% of respondents wanted the City of Johnston to put an emphasis on bringing additional retail and restaurants to Johnston.

A market study was conducted, and a plan has been developed to transform the area surrounding City Hall into a Town Center for retail, dining and other mixed use. Design guidelines have been developed, and the City of Johnston has been working to acquire properties for the project. It is expected that in 2018 the City will take steps to make this “super block” ready for development.

Developers and investors are needed to help fulfill the vision expressed in these initial plans. For more information contact the City of Johnston Economic Development Department at 515-727-7774 or email Adam Plagge at aplagge@cityofjohnston.com.

Click here to review the Summary Report, Market Study and Design Guidelines.

Click here to view the full RFQ.

Johnston Economic Development holds three major events each year. These events are a great way for the JEDCO Membership, as well as other development focused individuals in the Greater Des Moines region to learn more about development activity in the Johnston Community.

The Annual Development Forum held each spring is our largest event of the year. The event typically includes keynote speakers as well as an update from the City of Johnston. The keynote speakers provide attendees with an opportunity to hear from professionals who can provide a regional or state perspective on a given topic. This year the keynote speakers included Michael Ralston, President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, and Bart Baudler, the Commercial Unit Lead for the North & West United States for Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™.

Both keynote speakers as well as the City of Johnston presented a wealth of valuable information during the formal presentations. The event closed with a networking reception.

Click here to review the full presentation from the Development Forum.

The City Council had initiated a review of the 1,515 acre NW Saylorville Drive Expansion annexation proposal at their February 6th, 2018 meeting and had referred the proposal to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their review. On Monday, March 12th the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the NW Saylorville Drive Expansion Annexation.

The planning and Zoning Commission approved the following zoning districts with the plan.

1. 849.18 acres plus adjoining right-of-way to the centerline from un-incorporated to GF, Government Facility Zoning District.
2. 524.77 acres plus adjoining right-of-way to the centerline from un-incorporated to A-R, Agriculture Reserve Zoning District.
3. 6.26 acres at the southwest corner of NW Saylorville Drive and NW 110th Court plus adjoining right-of-way to the centerline from un-incorporated to C-3*, Highway Service Commercial Zoning District with restrictions. This zoning district is to be subject to the execution of a development agreement which prohibits the use of the property for adult entertainment businesses.

Following Council consideration in May, the proposed annexation will begin the State’s City Development Board Review Process which is expected to take several months. If successfully annexed, the City of Johnston anticipates reviewing Johnston’s Future Land Use Map for the area and amending the Comprehensive Plan.

The City Council continues efforts to aggregate property for the Town Center project. A resolution to purchase the property at 6275 Merle Hay Road has been approved. Public hearings relating to the possible acquisition of properties at 5707 NW 62nd Ave., and 5550 NW 63rd Pl. are scheduled for April 2, 2018. Learn more about the Town Center project at the upcoming Development Forum!

Progress on the Vintage Cooperative Senior Living facility on Windsor Parkway in Johnston continues. When finished the facility will offer 47 units. Currently the building is over 70% sold out! The project is expected to be complete in late fall of 2018.

Click here to learn more.

Broadband connectivity is important to future development in the Johnston Community. It is vital to offer quality internet service to those interested in opening a business in the community. Please take a moment to provide us with feedback regarding your current satisfaction with your internet connectivity.

Take the Broadband Survey.

March 29, 2018
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
DuPont Pioneer Carver Center

JEDCO Update – City of Johnston Update – Keynote Speaker 
Formal Presentations from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM – Followed by Networking

Keynote Speaker
Michael Ralston

Michael Ralston is President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Iowa’s oldest and largest statewide business organization. ABI works to improve Iowa by making Iowa businesses more successful.

Mike is a former state tax commissioner and has background in corporate taxation, public policy, and management. He is a former mayor and congressional staffer and he holds a degree from the University of Northern Iowa, which recognized him as an Outstanding Alumnus in 1992.

RSVP Today!

During a special election on Tuesday, March 6, Polk County residents will vote on a countywide referendum for a one-cent local option sales tax. Johnston could receive $2.5 million annually if it passes. Not less than 50 percent to be allocated for property tax relief, applied first to reduce the debt service levy before being applied to other levies and not more than 50 percent for capital improvement and quality of life projects. City staff will provide details on how these potential revenues would be used.

Date: February 26, 2018
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: City Hall
Address: 6221 Merle Hay Road
Johnston, IA 50131

Click Here to Learn More: http://www.cityofjohnston.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=600

There are many reasons to locate and grow a business in the City of Johnston. We’ve highlighted a few in the February 16 issue of the Business Record (see page 15). From an outstanding workforce to prime commercial real estate locations, Johnston is an ideal city to plant your roots and grow! To make the City even more attractive new upscale urban living options are now available in our suburban setting.

The Right Workforce
83% of employed residents with higher education
More than half with undergraduate or post graduate degrees.

Review the most recent Laborshed Analysis.

The Right Place
Prime commercial Interstate locations.
Merle Hay Gateway, Birchwood Crossing & West Park

The Right Time
Upscale urban living in a suburban setting
277 new units now available at Cadence and Residences at 62W