As the summer comes to an end, we are excited to share the latest updates on our downtown projects. Significant progress has been made across several key sites, including advancements at Principal Point, new designs for Fleur Drive, and the ongoing construction at Harriet Street.

Principal Point at the Scott Avenue Bridge

Principal Point at the Scott Avenue dam continues to progress. Though heavy rain events throughout the spring and summer caused construction to temporarily pause, the area was able to be drained, and construction has resumed on this project. The cascading drop feature is nearing completion and soon the contractor will begin work again on the south half of the river and dam modifications. The modifications already made to the existing dam and cascading drop, as well as bank stabilization, have resulted in improved on-water safety. Due to the flooding this year, the final completion date for the in-water project is now expected to be November 2025. Bidding for the uplands portion of the site is underway, with bids expected to be back in October of this year.

You can view a live feed of the site here.

Improvements Being Made

• In-water recreation
• Fish cleaning stations
• Improved fish passages and habitats
• Expanded trail system throughout the park and educational plaza

Fleur Drive Site

The conceptual design for the Fleur Drive site has been completed, and the design team hit the 30% preliminary design phase in April. 60% is expected to be completed this month, allowing the permitting process to begin. The in-water and uplands portions of this project will be split into sperate bids to allow the in-water construction schedule to be expedited and offer the opportunity for more competitive bids for the uplands. Due to long-lead times, a separate bid package for the collapsible flashboard system will occur by the end of this year, prior to the remainder of the in-water project being bid. Work continues on the uplands piece of the project, which requires coordination with adjacent projects including Hubbell’s Grays Station and Pro Iowa. Additionally, habitat assessments have been completed, with tree clearing anticipated to be done this winter.

Improvements Being Made

• Dam mitigation
• Fish and recreational passages
• Wave features
• Beginner-friendly whitewater activities

Harriet Street Site

Construction at ICON’s Harriet Street site has made significant progress. All work on the dry side of the levee is complete, which includes grading, utilities, and parking lot and wetland construction. Elevated water levels temporarily slowed down construction on the water side of the levee, but river levels have receded, and work is underway again. Construction is still anticipated to be completed this fall, with a ribbon cutting likely to occur in the spring.

Improvements Being Made

• Boat access
• Kayak launches
• Parking and walkways for users
• Urban wetland with stormwater runoff mitigation features

To stay informed about the latest developments and milestones for ICON’s downtown projects, be sure to follow our updates on our Downtown Construction Updates page.