Citizen Input Sought For GRC Redevelopment Plan

Do you have a suggestion on what should be done with the land and buildings on the Glenwood Resource Center campus after the facility closes next year?

Citizens will have an opportunity to provide input on the redevelopment plan for the GRC during a four-night workshop next week in the Meyer Building gymnasium on the the GRC campus.

The first night of the workshop, facilitated by HDR architectural and engineering consultants, is Monday, April 24, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. The progressive workshop will last four consecutive evenings with daily updates provided to the public each night at the same time. A project team will work each day to incorporate feedback and comments from the previous night’s forum. The process will repeat itself until the last day. The end goal is to reach a consensus on a “preferred redevelopment plan.”“Each evening, HDR will gather the information they obtain from the evening before and update the information so it can be discussed at the next evening’s public meeting,” said GRC Redevelopment Task Force member Larry Winum. “It’s important to attend as many evenings as possible in order to stay up to date with changes through the week.”

The four-night workshop is a key step in the process to develop a consensus-driven vision and masterplan for the 380-acre campus.  

The resulting master plan will:

• Reflect input from stakeholders and the public
• Consider cultural resources and sensitivities
• Define opportunities for improved access
• Promote economic synergies and employment opportunities
• Provide a roadmap for sustained growth

For decades, the stated-managed resource center has provided residential care and vital services for Iowans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In April 2022, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the state’s decision to close the facility in 2024.Since the closure announcement was made, state and local officials have shared input and direction in an effort to repurpose the campus.

A task force made of representatives from the Glenwood community was established to ensure the redevelopment plan will meet the needs and goals of the Glenwood community for the immediate and long-term future.

For additional project information, visit the project website at https://millscountyiowa.com/glenwood-resource-center-redevelopment-planning/ or send questions to connect@grcredevelopment.com.

GRC Task Force Members
Debi Durham - Iowa Economic Development and Finance Director.
Adam Steen - Director of Iowa’s Department of Administrative Services.
Paul Carlson - Public Service Executive For The State Of Iowa.
Andrew Rainbolt - Executive Director of the Mills County Economic Development Foundation.
Richard Crouch - Vice Chair of the Mills County Board Of Supervisors.
Amber Farnan - City Administrator for the City of Glenwood.
Devin Embray - Glenwood Community School District Superintendent.
Larry Winum - Glenwood State Bank CEO.
Mark Lincoln - President of the Mills County Economic Development Foundation Board of Directors.
Dax Landeen - GRC Assistant Superin-tendent / Financial Manager.