KTIV NewsChannel 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and SportsOrange City preparing to break ground on 3 major projects

Orange City preparing to break ground on 3 major projects

ORANGE CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -- More than 30 percent of voters in Orange City, Iowa came out Tuesday to vote on a big part of their town's future.

The "Phoenix Project" bond issue will add space for meetings, concerts and cultural events, along with new housing. It passed by a narrow margin with 60 percent of voters behind the project.

It was June of 2008 when a landmark Orange City, Iowa building was destroyed by fire.

"The Hawkeye Building was a very historic structure and we really feel anchored the Main Street area," says Marty Guthmiller of the Phoenix Project.

Now, more than a year later, the scars are still there but the healing process has officially begun.

Orange City voters approved the plan to cover the hole in the ground with a two-story, $2.5 million commercial and residential building. Shops will make up the first floor, with five condos above, and underground parking.

"We think it'll be a very unique aspect to our Main Street," Guthmiller said.

The Hawkeye project was only one part of Tuesday's vote. Two other components mean there will be a lot of construction around Orange City the next couple of years.

A new events center will have capacity for 400 and should host events like weddings, home shows, even small concerts. Also, a new performing arts center to be built at Unity Christian High School will seat 780 and hopes to attract cultural events.

All in all, folks in Orange City are paying $4.5 million for the three projects. The mayor hopes they'll all add to the city's unique Dutch flavor.

"We're not targeting maybe the big box attractions, we're looking to capitalize on our ethnic heritage," said Mayor Daryl Beltman.

"I think it'll bring business, commerce, tourism. I think it's very important to keep the city economically vibrant," says Orange City resident Michael Hollinga.

While 40 percent of people voted "no," Marty Guthmiller hopes the long term payoff will win them over.

"But in the aggregate, with all the projects in town, I hope they look back and say this was a good thing," Guthmiller said.

Guthmiller says the bond will raise the average Orange City resident's taxes by about $110 per year.

The city hopes to break ground on the Hawkeye building after next year's tulip festival and hope to have it open before the 2011 festival.

Online Reporter: Zach Tecklenburg