The City of Council Bluffs is growing its privately funded mural program along the FIRST AVE trail. This project, administered by the City of Council Bluffs with financial support from the Iowa West Foundation, is transforming the FIRST AVE corridor into a place of artistic expression.
The FIRST AVE trail already features a series of five murals. Local artists, Danny Reyes, Betni Kalk, Weston Thomson and Ilaamen Pelshaw completed five murals earlier this year. Locations include the trail-facing walls at 29 South 21st Street, 3415 West Broadway, 15 South 20th Street, the Cochran Park-facing wall at 2200 2nd Avenue, and the Council Bluffs Public Library Cochran Park Kiosk.
Two new murals are currently underway. Local artists Oria Simonini is working on the trail-facing wall of Grass Wagon at 110 South 29th Street, and Jenna Jaffery is working on the trail-facing fence at 20 South 15th Street behind Creative Auto Solutions.
Additionally, seven new mini-murals are being added to utility boxes along the FIRST AVE trail. The mini-murals are stationed along the FIRST AVE trail which stretches from 16th Street to 35th Street, and features local artists.
“We believe that public art has the power to inspire and unite,” said Mayor Council Bluffs Matt Walsh. “These murals showcase local talent and serve as an example of how creativity can shape and improve our community.”
These murals not only elevate the aesthetic of the FIRST AVE trail but also offer a platform for local artists to showcase their talents. As part of a larger effort to activate public spaces and foster community engagement, the murals create an immersive trail experience, offering great photo opportunities and visually enriching interactions for both residents and visitors.
The City of Council Bluffs has served as a liaison between building owners, artists, and the Iowa West Foundation to bring these murals to life. All mural concepts have been designed and approved, the walls and the utility boxes have been prepped, and the nine new murals should be finished before winter.
“Iowa West Foundation has been instrumental in constructing, developing, and activating the FIRST AVE corridor,” said Walsh. “Their investment in this mural program underscores their dedication to enriching the landscape of Council Bluffs.”
FIRST AVE, a former rail corridor vacated in 2013, is located one block south of West Broadway, the city’s main thoroughfare. Roughly 60 percent of Council Bluffs residents live within one mile of this corridor. The multi-modal corridor enhances the operation of West Broadway, makes an essential link in the trail system, links to downtown Omaha and provides the opportunity to redevelop obsolete industrial properties.
The FIRST AVE trail presents a unique user experience. Conducive to walking, biking, and micro-mobility options, trail amenities include lighting, landscaping, public spaces, and trail plazas, making the corridor a linear park, not just a trail.
“I encourage residents to visit the FIRST AVE trail to experience not only the murals, both completed and in progress, but also the vibrant fall colors from the newly planted trees,” said Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation Director Vincent Martorello. “The blend of art and nature creates a unique atmosphere, making this the perfect time to explore the trail and enjoy its transformation.”
