Musco Lighting’s Parking Lot Expansion Moves Forward Amid Rezoning Approvals and Historical Concerns

1115 11th Ave West, Oskaloosa, Iowa

At the recent Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in Oskaloosa on February 5, 2025, Musco Lighting’s plans for a parking lot expansion took significant steps forward. The commission reviewed two rezoning applications related to the project and ultimately recommended their approval to the city council, despite some community concerns.
Rezoning Applications Reviewed

Gridco LLC, a Musco-affiliated entity, submitted two rezoning requests for properties on 11th Avenue West. The first application proposed changing the zoning of 1107 11th Avenue West from a mix of General Residential and General Industrial to Limited Industrial. This property, which includes Musco’s MSO facility, is being evaluated for potential future use and expansion. The rezoning aligns with Oskaloosa’s comprehensive plan, which encourages industrial growth and the utilization of underdeveloped sites.

The second application requested rezoning 1115 11th Avenue West from General Residential to General Commercial to accommodate additional parking for Musco employees. The property includes a historic home believed to have origins in the former town of Buxton, as well as vacant storage buildings. While the home sparked historical preservation concerns, city staff emphasized that it is not a designated landmark and urged that the rezoning proceed.
Community and Commission Responses

During the public hearing, community members raised objections related to the historical value of the Buxton-origin home. Lisa Ossian, a city council member, expressed that it would be a shame to lose such a piece of history, while Kim Porter, representing the Nelson Pioneer Farm and Mahaska County Historical Society, confirmed the home’s connection to Buxton but noted that relocation to their facility would not be feasible.

The Planning and Zoning Commission acknowledged the historical concerns but clarified that their primary role was to assess the zoning merits of the application. Commissioner Steve Scholtus noted, “The commission shouldn’t stop progress over historical concerns that are outside of our purview.” The motion to recommend approval passed unanimously.
Project Implications

Both rezoning applications reflect Musco Lighting’s commitment to enhancing its operational infrastructure. The rezoning of 1115 11th Avenue West will create much-needed parking capacity for employees, addressing a long-standing need.

Musco representative Bob Drost noted during the meeting that the expansion is part of the company’s broader strategy to support its workforce and maintain its facilities. “This project is crucial for ensuring we meet the needs of our employees and continue growing in Oskaloosa,” Drost explained.
Next Steps

The Oskaloosa City Council will now review the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendations and make final decisions on the rezoning applications. Meanwhile, community members interested in preserving the Buxton home are encouraged to explore options for its relocation or reuse.

If approved, the project will not only boost Musco’s capabilities but also contribute to Oskaloosa’s industrial and economic development. However, the fate of the historic home remains uncertain, leaving room for continued dialogue about balancing growth with heritage preservation.