MARION, Iowa (KCRG-TV9) -- Marion, Iowa was one of 20 cities honored at the 2018 City Livability Awards Program in Boston on June 9.
The winners were announced during the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 86th Annual Meeting in Boston.
Marion was recognized for its Uptown Artway placemaking project.
“It was truly an honor to accept this award on behalf of our community and the many people responsible for making the Uptown Artway a reality,” Mayor Nicolas AbouAssaly said. “Marion is creating a legacy for the future founded in high-quality, relevant and engaging public spaces.”
The project is previously known as ImaginArt in the Alley and now known as Uptown Artway, features nine, permanent public art installations and serves as a pedestrian destination and community "living room," with new restaurants, pubs, gathering spaces and lighting.
Since the project started, over $5 million in private investment has been injected in the area, with additional projects planned.
"Our City Livability Awards Program gives us the chance to express our pride in cities’ mayoral leadership in making urban areas cleaner, safer and more livable,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the Conference of Mayors.
Marion also received an Outstanding Achievement Award Honorable Mention in the category for cities with populations less than 100,000.