CHALLENGE

The Iowa Green Streets Pilot Project is a communitywide sustainability initiative to serve as a catalyst for further investment in the historic downtown of West Union, Iowa. The project began with a visioning workshop in October 2007 when Iowa’s Department of Economic Development (IDED) completed a Technical Assistance Visit to advise West Union about the potential for multi-purpose pedestrian-scale streetscape improvements. The result of the initial visioning and the subsequent Conceptual and Schematic Planning was a Streetscape Master Plan, which has led the pilot project. The project requirements included the complete renovation of 6 downtown blocks and replacement of aging water, storm and sanitary sewer infrastructure.

SOLUTION

Eco-Priora and Eco-Optiloc were the selected permeable pavers for the project. The project showcases innovative sustainable design strategies as a model for other communities, pedestrian crosswalk treatments, rain gardens, energy efficient lighting, and a district-wide geothermal heating and cooling system.