After two years of successful investment and community-driven improvements through the West End Ignited initiative, the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation is proud to announce the expansion of its efforts to East Main Street under the newly launched East End Ignited program. 

Through West End Ignited, the Foundation has partnered with residents, businesses and other nonprofits to make a significant impact, completing 35 homeowner grants, enhancing 40 properties, planting 28 trees and 144 plants, installing six new business signs, and introducing two new public art pieces. In total, more than $138,000 has been invested in revitalizing the West End neighborhood and improving the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike. 

Building on this momentum, East End Ignited will focus on revitalizing the East Main Street corridor, a key entry point into Ottumwa. The initiative will include a gateway sign project to welcome visitors, the introduction of wayfinding signage, new business signage opportunities, and homeowner grants for exterior improvements. 

“Revitalization is a collaborative effort,” said Andy Maw, Community Initiatives Manager at the Legacy Foundation. “Expanding this work to East Main Street gives us the opportunity to partner with more homeowners, businesses, and community organizations to enhance this important entryway into Ottumwa.” 

The success of this initiative was made possible through partnerships with Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress, the City of Ottumwa, United Way of Wapello County, Grace Ottumwa, Wapello County Crisis Center, Main Street Ottumwa, and all the individuals and organizations who generously gave their time and talent during the volunteer event were instrumental in the many successful community improvements.