After a good construction season due in part to late season dry weather conditions, the city of Marshall is closing out most projects, while some have gotten underway.

This past summer, the city completed the reconstruction of two parking lots: Addison Parking Lot and the Independence Back Parking Lot.

Addison parking lot, located near the movie theater and downtown Marshall, is complete and was open to the public this past summer. Contractor R&G Construction removed the existing surface and repaved the parking lot with concrete. This city owned parking lot was one of the lots in the poorest of conditions in terms of trips, slips and fall hazards as well as traffic flow.

Another parking lot improvement this past summer was the “back parking lot” located west side of Independence Park. The gravel parking lot was replaced with a new concrete surface, curb and gutter, and storm sewer. Following the completion of both of these parking lots, the public commented in high praise of the improvements.

Earlier this year, Community Transit of United Community Action Partnership (UCAP Transit) and the city partnered to build several new bus shelters to improve access and accessibility of bus stops within the city.

In 2021, UCAP was awarded grant funds in the amount $207,000 to help the project move forward. UCAP Transit approached City staff regarding the engineering and construction administration of this project, which includes the installation of bus shelters and ADA sidewalk improvements at various locations as follows: Camden Drive/Riverview Apartments, Freedom Park/Dogwood Ave, Susan Drive/Baseline Road, N 4th Street/Darlene Drive. Local contractor D&G Excavating, Inc. ensured successful completion of the project.

D&G Excavating, Inc also led the completion of South Whitney Street Project from East College Drive to Jean Street. This project included removal of the existing facilities and installation of a new storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, concrete driveways, sidewalk, curb and gutter, bituminous surface, and site restoration.

Critical to this project was public feedback regarding the right of ways and trees located within the street. Most of the trees were maintained to keep the benefit of shade and overall beauty of the neighborhood.

Two other projects critical to the city’s infrastructure are park and recreation facility improvements. In 2023, the city of Marshall was awarded an outdoor recreation Grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $210,274 with a required match of $210,274 by the city for the construction of a new 48′ hexagon shaped shelter and construction of a new, year-round, restroom facility.  This project will replace the existing wood structures built in the late 80s and be fully accessible, low maintenance, and enhance security to deter vandalism. 

The new shelter has been ordered and bidding documents will go out yet this fall with construction to start as soon as weather allows and be completed in 2025. 

In the fall of 2024, construction started on improvements at American Legion Field. This project is being funded by generous donations from Marshall baseball affiliated organizations and the city’s capital improvement plan. 

The construction this fall included one new dugout, a new backstop netting system, and significant drainage improvements. This is the first phase of improvements. 

In 2025, construction of the second dugout as well as new bathrooms and concession stand will take place.  American Legion Field hosts over 120 baseball games annually and is a continually mentioned as a favorite place for players and fans to attend.  These improvements will allow for a better player and fan experience and draw more tournaments to our community. 

Finally, another project that started this past year with local general contractor Sussner Construction, is a new snow removal equipment (SRE) and maintenance equipment storage building at the city’s Southwest Minnesota Regional Airport. The existing building has outlived its useful life and does not adequately accommodate all airport maintenance equipment storage needs.

The new facility includes a 7,400 SF pre-engineered metal building with three vehicle bays and administrative area including office space, break room, restrooms, mechanical room and a mezzanine. Project also includes site improvements including asphalt pavement access road, concrete apron pavement storm sewer, watermain, sanitary sewer, and related mechanical, electrical, and technology work.

The cost for the building is paid with 78% federal and state funds, with the remaining coming from local funds. The new facility is being constructed on the East Building area of the airport and complements the private hangar that completed construction earlier this year. Estimated completion is summer of 2025.

— Sharon Hanson is the city administrator for the city of Marshall