The Martha
Ellen Tye Foundation has announced a $400,000 challenge grant for therenovation of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The City began the capital campaign on March 15, 2019, the 90thanniversary of the dedication of the Coliseum, with the goal of raising $1.35
million of a projected $3.6 million renovation. “Once again the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation is the champion for promoting
projects to improve our community,” Mayor Joel Greer said about the award.
In accepting the $400,000 challenge grant from the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation, the City needs to raise an additional $400,000 in donations to receive the full amount. “The Martha Ellen Tye Foundation is the catalyst we need to jump start this project, and we encourage the community and local businesses to help support the renovation of the Coliseum and match this grant,” commented Geoff Hubbard, Director of Parks & Recreation. “Once rebuilt we hope the Coliseum becomes the heart and soul of the downtown full of activities and events for the community to participate in and a gather space for people to enjoy.” Donations can be made online at www.mtowncoliseum.com or by mail to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum Fund, 24 N. Center St., Marshalltown, IA 50158.
The VeteransMemorial Coliseum was originally built as a memorial to Marshalltown residents
who had fought in and/or lost their lives in the Civil War, Spanish War, andWorld War I. Nearly 90 years later, the
building still serves as enduring memorial for the patriotic sacrifices ofresidents in other wars and conflicts that have occurred since its
inception. The building has played manyroles over the years, including serving as the Marshalltown High School
gymnasium until 1965, a civil defense shelter, offices for the American Legion,and more recently a community event space and the home of the City of
Marshalltown’s recreational programs. The building received significant damagefollowing the July 19th tornado, and is awaiting a renovation before being open to the public.