(Grimes, IA) — Grimes is showcasing its downtown with a new mural.
Local artist and Dallas Center-Grimes graduate Courtney Garcia began painting the mural about a week ago at 210 South East Main Street.
Assistant City Manager, Alex Psaltzgrass says Garcia worked with the school’s art department and received input from the community.
“This is a good, first step in beautifying the downtown area…the art piece itself is really colorful. It has some ties to Grimes’ history and heritage. It’s whimsical in nature and we hope to see that it gets used and photographed. It’s one of those iconic pieces that people are going to want to visit our downtown for, ” said Psaltzgrass.
The city also plans to beautify the area by adding more benches, blooms and bike racks. Those were some of the recommendations made last year by the public.
Psaltzgrass says there has been growth in Grimes for a variety of reasons, including a commitment to community beautification and a wide range of available housing.
A special Census in Grimes last year shows the city attracted 2,000 new residents since 2020.
Grimes will receive $1.75 million more dollars in federal road funds because of the special Census results. The money will be used for infrastructure improvements, snow removal and road maintenance.
The city spent a half-million dollars to conduct the Census.
