When you drive past the Crossroads Mall in Fort Dodge, it seems obvious that something transformative is going on there. There are all kinds of fencing and construction equipment on the property. One new building housing a convenient care clinic is already standing, and two new roads pass close to it.

The big enclosed mall that generations of local residents remember will be gone in the not-too-distant future. In its place will be a complex of buildings called Corridor Plaza

That transformation got a big boost last Friday when the Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded $17 million for a portion of the project. The state money is specifically for creating a public plaza and pavilion near the South 25th Street side of the property.

The pavilion would be a building with a handful of spaces on its south side for restaurants, coffee shops or brew pubs. Its north side would have more open space and overhead doors.

The plaza would be an outdoor public space and entertainment area just north of the pavilion. The concept for it includes pickleball courts, picnic shelters and a raised and partially covered stage. A fountain or other water feature would be nearby.

Construction of the plaza and pavilion is scheduled to begin in late 2022.

The City Council applied for the grant in February in partnership with Crossroads Plaza Development LLC, of Ankeny, which owns the property. An $18 million grant was sought.

In winning $17 million, the Fort Dodge project received more of the sought after total than any of the other five projects awarded grants last Friday.

To be clear, the grant is considered a provisional award, with a final decision set for February. but having come so far in the process, it seems certain that Fort Dodge will get the money.

What is happening at the mall is exciting. Not every community with a big enclosed mall that was once popular gets a chance like this to welcome something new.

We are pleased that Crossroads Plaza Development LLC took the gamble of doing this project.

We hope Corridor Plaza is a huge success for the company and our community.