Johnston, Iowa, first existed only as Johnston Station—a railway stop and a blip on the map on the way to Des Moines. Now, in 2020, the city of Johnston celebrates its 50th birthday, and the Johnston Town Center marks a new chapter in its story.

In recent decades, Johnston’s population has significantly expanded, and residents are asking for a gathering place. A redevelopment study done in 2007 identified the area from NW 62nd Avenue to NW 63rd Place along Merle Hay Road as an ideal location for a city center. Likewise, a 2015 survey revealed 79 percent of residents expressed interest in bringing retail and restaurant businesses to the city. Plans for these types of enhancements have materialized as the Johnston Town Center. The project broke ground in October 2019.

In addition to public spaces, the 20-acre area that comprises the town center will include specialty shops, dining options, office space, a hotel, and city hall. Serving as a local landmark, Johnston Town Center will have something to offer everyone—townies and visitors alike.

Johnston-based Hansen Company and Hansen Real Estate are partnering with the city to spearhead the project. They envision bringing activity to the heart of Johnston and supporting its local economy. All-the-while, through architectural details and thoughtful city planning, the site nods to the Johnston community’s roots and historical ties to Johnston Station. Construction plans aim for Johnston Town Center to be open for business by fall 2020, but don’t wait until then to get involved in this new piece of Johnston’s tradition.