Youth sports is a passion of mine. It teaches life lessons that are invaluable to so many. Providing a facility that will offer up opportunities for the youth of Fort Dodge and the surrounding communities to practice, play, and learn was an adventure I didn’t want to pass up. The bonus is that it will bring people from across the state and midwest to Fort Dodge and provide a benefit to other local businesses.

How will the pavilion be utilized for year-round events and celebrations in Fort Dodge? Will there be an eatery attached to the sports pavilion?

Aside from teams and clubs using the facility for practices and residents using it for picklelball and indoor walking, we will host a number of tournaments and sports leagues. Dedicated pickleball courts will provide a space that can be used all day and at night year-round.

We are working on a eatery concept. It will more than likely be a mix of “grab-n-go” that is best suited during nights and weekends in the fall and winter while practices and tournaments are going on and more “sit down” options in the summer. We want people to enjoy everything the plaza has to offer with a spot to grab a quick bite and a beverage.

What art installations, if any, are planned in the area?

We are working with an artist on a large artwork piece that will be one of the focal points of the plaza area. We hope as the project continues to grow, and foot traffic grows with it, that we will be able to incorporate many more art pieces.

What partnerships or collaborations are being explored to maximize the use of the plaza and pavilion for community events?

Obviously working with the city’s park and rec department to help with existing programming is key. We do have partnerships in place with several existing clubs when it comes to usage. What we have found in our other locations is that once the building is near completion or completed, we are approached by all kinds of organizations and groups that would like to utilize our space. The creativity of the community is remarkable and we are looking forward to learning about these same groups in Fort Dodge.

What are the expected economic and social benefits of revitalizing the former Crossroads Mall into the Corridor Plaza District?

There are a number of economic and social benefits that we have seen come to fruition to date, and that will continue to shed light over the next several years. As a part of our application for IEDA’s Iowa Reinvestment District, of which we were awarded $17m, we had an extensive report completed that showed the increase in property tax and sales tax dollars through the redevelopment of the project. Not only was there an increase but they are exponential increases financially for the City of Fort Dodge compared to the mall when we took over the property in early 2020. You can also see the social benefits through projects like the Pavilion — which will bring thousands of people to Fort Dodge for sports and other activities, as well as provide space for the citizens of Fort Dodge to socialize and engage in recreation.

What are the next steps after the pavilion is finished?

The final phases of Corridor Plaza are currently underway and will likely wrap up by the end of 2025. Plat 3, which is the final roadway network that will connect the entire project, will be complete by the end of this year. We will also have the Power Center (Dunham’s, Maurices, Shoe Sensation, and one final tenant to be announced soon) opening up by Thanksgiving 2024. Chick-fil-a plans to open early 2025, and we have 2-3 other exciting tenants to announce early 2025 as well. Lastly, the public plaza space north of the Pavilion will start construction and be in use by 2025. Currently there are only a few lots left and we expect those to fill up by the end of next year.