Multi-Purpose
Marshalltown High School
Franklin Field Redevelopment
Marshalltown, Iowa
About the Project
Marshalltown Community School District completed a major redevelopment of historic Franklin Field as part of the district’s larger “Reimagine Miller” initiative. This effort included a long-term investment focused on revitalizing athletic and community facilities throughout the district.
The project transformed the century-old stadium into a modern, multi-use athletic complex designed to serve middle school athletics, community programming, and neighborhood recreation for years to come. Working alongside Invision Architecture, Clapsaddle-Garber Associates (CGA), and construction manager Boyd Jones, the district created a revitalized venue that honors the legacy of Franklin Field while delivering modern amenities and performance-driven athletic infrastructure.
The Challenge
Franklin Field had long served as a historic gathering place for athletics and community events, but the aging facility required substantial upgrades to meet modern standards for safety, accessibility, and functionality.
The district sought to preserve the identity and significance of the stadium while introducing contemporary athletic surfaces and support facilities capable of accommodating growing participation in football, soccer, and track and field programs. In addition, the redevelopment needed to create a space that would remain accessible and beneficial to the surrounding north-side community beyond school athletics.
The Solution
The redevelopment introduced a completely modernized athletic environment centered around a new synthetic turf field and upgraded track and stadium infrastructure.
Key improvements included:
- Installation of a new synthetic turf athletic field
- Construction of a new 6-lane oval track with an 8-lane straightaway
- New stadium lighting for evening events and expanded programming opportunities
- Upgraded bleachers and spectator seating
- Addition of a modern press box
- New concession and restroom facilities
- Enhanced accessibility and community usability throughout the complex
The project team combined architectural planning, engineering coordination, and phased construction management to successfully transform the historic site into a contemporary athletic destination while preserving its longstanding community presence.
The Result
The revitalized Franklin Field now serves as a premier multi-sport venue for Marshalltown Community School District while also functioning as an important community asset for the city’s north side.
Designed primarily for middle school football, soccer, and track events, the facility provides student-athletes with a safe, high-performance environment while expanding opportunities for recreation, school activities, and public use. The modernized stadium infrastructure also enhances the spectator experience and increases the venue’s flexibility for future programming and events.
By blending historic preservation with forward-looking athletic design, the Franklin Field redevelopment stands as a centerpiece of the district’s broader commitment to community investment and student engagement.
