overview
The City of Ottumwa is creating a new Historic Preservation Plan. The central objective of the new plan is to assess Ottumwa’s historic preservation program and policies, establish historic contexts for the city, make recommendations for identifying historic resources and potential designations, assess preservation’s role in the broader planning process, investigate strategies for preservation-based economic and community development, heritage tourism, and housing, and conduct a thorough community engagement program.
Photos courtesy of Travel Iowa
take the survey!
The planning process is underway, and we gained valuable feedback during our community Open House. If you missed the in-person event, you can take the survey and share your thoughts!
Preserving Ottumwa’s unique and irreplaceable architectural and cultural heritage is at the heart of this Plan, and citizens of Ottumwa are stewards of the city’s rich heritage, building traditions, and cultural identity, and protect these valuable assets through a municipal historic preservation program.
Communities like Ottumwa understand that historic preservation contributes to:
Central to the project is to assess Ottumwa’s historic preservation program and policies, establish historical contexts for the city, make recommendations for identifying historic resources and potential designations, and highlight preservation’s role in the broader planning process. By engaging these ideas, and conducting a thorough community engagement program, the Plan will investigate strategies for preservation-based economic and community development, housing and neighborhood revitalization, the adaptive use of historic buildings, and strengthening heritage tourism.
As Ottumwa pursues historic preservation strategies that contribute to community vitality, economic growth, local identity, and pride of place, the resulting Historic Preservation Plan will become the guiding document expressing the community’s vision and aspirations for the future of historic preservation with strategies to enhance and protect Ottumwa’s heritage assets.
PARTICIPATE
Engage with Us in Shaping The Future of ottumwa
We invite all residents and stakeholders to actively participate in this initiative. Your voice matters and we want to hear from you. We will seek extensive outreach and community input through focus group meetings, public workshops, and an online community preservation survey.
STay informed
We are committed to transparency. Find regular updates on the development of the Historic preservation plan. Stay tuned for the latest news and reports. Please enter your information below