The 2015 Johnston Community Survey showed 79 percent of respondents wanted the City to put an emphasis on bringing additional retail and restaurants to the City. In response, the City has pursued redevelopment along Merle Hay Road with a particular focus along the intersection of 62nd Ave. and Merle Hay Road. With several housing projects underway or completed in this focus area, bolstering retail demand, the City contracted with the consulting firm Confluence to undertake a market study and to create a redevelopment plan to transform the area surrounding City Hall into a Town Center that offers retail, dining and other mixed use.

The concept and design guidelines shown below have been adopted by the Johnston City Council for implementation. The design guidelines will provide the framework for private developers to construct the town center, while the concept is designed to help visualize a potential final product. Demolition of City acquired structures is expected to begin in 2018. Infrastructure improvements and developer conversations are also underway.