Orange City Leaders Working On “Phoenix Project 2.0”

Orange City, Iowa — Ten years ago, a fire in Orange City was the impetus for what became a package of new ideas called the “Phoenix Project,” which included not only the replacement of the destroyed building but also an events center and a performing arts center — and spawned more development including a hotel and an expanded convenience store. Now, Orange City leaders are attempting to answer the question, “What’s next?” and an answer is starting to come into view.

Marty Guthmiller is on the Orange City Development Board and is spearheading the new package of ideas, which is tentatively called “Phoenix 2.0.” He says a new name is being chosen, but tells us what the package will probably entail.


Guthmiller says that the beautification project is the slice of the pie that is furthest along, with city leaders asking engineers for an estimated cost for the first phase, which will probably be in the one-million-dollar-plus range. Pavers and other elements would be the second phase if approved.

He says the package also includes an idea about a “Dutch Village.” He tells us about it.


Guthmiller tells us the third element — a wellness facility — is probably the least-developed idea of the package at this point.


Guthmiller emphasizes that it’s very early in the planning stages at this point. He says it would be his preference to take the package to the voters to see if there’s support for a bond issue. Such a vote would take a 60 percent “supermajority” to pass. He says they may be ready to put something together for a ballot question in the spring of 2019.

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