First Avenue finish and a kayak launch at Spring Creek Park are coming to Altoona in 2024
A long-awaited street renovation will finally be completed in Altoona, and more major road projects are on the way.
These and other projects, including retail shops and a new middle school, are coming in 2024, according to city records and Rachel Simon, a spokesperson with the city.
Here's a look at what to expect.
First Avenue in Altoona will be finished
The long-awaited finish of First Avenue's multiyear reconstruction is here. The road reopened in late December, with a temporary closure scheduled for Dec. 28 for roadway painting and expected to be finished around 1 p.m.
The latest phase included upgrading the underground utility infrastructure and widening the street with a center-left turn lane from Eighth Street to Second Street in the historic Olde Town area.
First Avenue is expected to be fully finished in spring 2024. Crews will have some more work to through the spring, including finishing sidewalks and regrading grass areas.
More road reconstruction projects in Altoona on the way
As the First Avenue project is being completed, more road reconstruction projects are also in progress.
Construction will continue in 2024 on Eighth Street Southeast between Eighth Avenue Southeast and Falcon Drive. The project includes widening the road, utility work and installing a roundabout to help with school traffic. The work is expected to be complete before the new school year starts.
The work coincides with the opening of the new Southeast Polk Middle School at Eighth Street Southeast and 14th Avenue Southeast.
Work to reconstruct Eighth Street Southwest between Prairie Meadows Drive and the railroad overpass will begin in spring 2024. The project includes replacing the aging pavement. The road will not be completely closed.
More housing, coffee and retail planned for Altoona
Construction will continue for multiple single-family housing developments and the planned Glencoe Heights apartment project. The apartments will be north of the ISU Extension Office, 1625 Adventureland Drive, and leasing is expected to begin in 2025.
A new coffee shop, Best Day Coffee, recently opened at 404 Eighth St. S.W. in the former Nomi's space.
The new Casa Agave, a Mexican restaurant, will open in the former Claxon's space, 3131 Eighth St. S.W. An opening date is to be announced.
Construction will continue on Hyper Bar, a coffee and infused energy drink shop, off of 36th Avenue, north of B-Bop's. An opening date is to be announced.
Development will also continue in the Gateway East business park and the industrial area in north Altoona
Splash pad, kayak launch coming to Altoona
A new splash pad is coming to Haines Park and is expected to be open for the summer.
An accessible boat and kayak dock and boat launch, a first of its kind in Altoona, will be going in at the Spring Creek Park lake and is expected to be ready for the summer.
New pickleball courts are expected to be ready for the summer at Ironwood Park.
Pocket park coming to Olde Town
Altoona is planning a pocket park in Altoona's historic Olde Town neighborhood, including a mural, in the vacant space where a building was demolished on Second Street about a year ago.
The city will put out a call for artists for the mural in 2024. The planned park, which would lead to the nearby bike trail, would also including landscaping, decor and seating.
New middle school expected to open
Construction continues on the future Southeast Polk Middle School to serve students in grades 6 and 7.
The building, which was part of a $92 million referendum voters approved in 2020, is expected to be complete by summer 2024.
Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Altoona developments to watch in 2024: First Avenue reopening
