10 projects soon to impact Downtown I.C.

[RDCFIC]

The Press-Citizen did a nice feature story on downtown projects that are either in progress or set to begin most likely within a year (barring the unforeseeable delays, of course. It's a pretty exciting time, and the article does not even include the UIHC projects, the building going in on the site of the former Red Avocado et al (RIP), the Burlington Street apt building I've posted photos about, or the 5-story on S. Gilbert that I've been posting photos of.

http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=D5&Dato=20120601&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=206010801&Ref=PH&nclick_check=1

http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20120602/NEWS01/306020032/What-s-next-thing-makes-downtown-stronger-keeps-viable-energetic-

[DMRyan]

So there's still 3 highrise proposals (going 10 stories or higher for Iowa City) that are alive and well?

Some of the projects mentioned in the story are really just lots that could be developed in the future, but nonetheless downtown Iowa City will look dramatically different in five years. In another decade, could Iowa City ever crack into the Davenport or Sioux City eschelon of downtown skyline if these proposals keep popping up?

Are there any height or zoning restrictions in Iowa City that would prevent something much taller from getting built?

[urbanite17]

There was an article in the Iowa City Press Citizen that was also well written last week that mentioned that the University of Iowa's new Children's Hospital price has increased to $290 million from $270 million that will add two floors to the new tower (11 stories above ground now; before would've been 9) and to add a "main street" project in the hospital complex that would include easier access and more landscaping projects. Also I thought I should point out that aside from these new projects coming online downtown, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt has committed to opening a new store on Dubuque St. (http://orangeleafyogurt.com/locations#IA) and Molly's Cupcakes will be opening in the former Liberty Bank branch downtown on College Street (http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Mollys-C ... 47405.html).

The PC article mentioned that a new engineering firm is coming to the former Vito's space on the second floor and it will be Modus Engineering and I have heard many rumors that Urban Outfitters will be occupying the first floor, although no official announcement has come.

Finally, the new 5 story apartment complex on S. Gilbert St. is nearing completion (sorry no pictures yet!), but the quality of construction looks amazing and there appears to be 4 or 5 commercial spaces available on the first floor.

[bmadden]

My understanding is that Plaza Towers is about as tall as anything can get downtown due to the proximity to the airport.

Some exciting stuff coming up in IC. It will be interesting to see how much things change over the next couple of years. With regard to the Vitos building, it does seem to be established fact that a prominent national retailer will occupy the bottom floor. Whether that is Urban Outfitters or something else, I guess we will see.

[RDCFIC]

Another good feature article on downtown Iowa City's transformation, past, present and future: http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20120604/NEWS01/306040021/1079/

[urbanite17]

According to the newest issue of Little Village, Iowa City's News and Culture Magazine, Urban Outfitters will not be occupying the first floor space in the former Vito's space. According to local developer Marc Moen, Urban sited the first floor as being too small for a location for the retailer.

[urbanite17]

I was walking downtown yesterday and noticed work on two more frozen yogurt shops is occuring on Dubuque Street. One, Aspen Leaf Yogurt with a combined Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory will occupy the space formerly by Technigraphics in Plaza Center One across from the public library. The other, Orange Leaf, will be opening in the former Style America space next to Z'Mariks and Noodles & Company. I don't see all three fro-yo shops downtown surviving and I just hope the local Yotopia stays.

http://www.aspenleafyogurt.com/index.ph ... ening-soon

http://orangeleafyogurt.com/locations#IA

[urbanite17]

Not sure if this is the best place to post this and this news is a little old... but a new shoe store, Running Wild, will be opening in the former Washington St. post office substation in downtown Iowa City. They currently have locations on the Coralville Strip near Hy-Vee as well as in Cedar Rapids and West Burlington.

http://www.dailyiowan.com/2012/10/17/Metro/30383.html

It seems pretty exciting as a project and will add to the diversification happening downtown. It will be the company's flagship location with almost 3,000 sq. ft. of retail space. New Balance and Brooks are both backing the new store.

[bmadden]

Not sure if this is the best place for this, but I couldn't find a thread specifically about the new UI music school. The architect has a new rendering of what this will look like when (finally) built.



I like it, I think it has kind of a cool, modern look.

[Mastermind]

Some of the discussion was here viewtopic.php?f=16&t=4516 and some here viewtopic.php?f=16&t=3844

[RDCFIC]

Not sure if this is the best place for this bit of news, but it at least fits to a large degree: Iowa City is rewarding funds to local businesses and building owners in downtown to help subsidize renovation projects. This includes facade improvements, historic restoration and adding apartments to second and third floor spaces where possible. This is almost sure to result in some aesthetic improvements to downtown. Also, keep in mind that this is in addition to the planned ped mall renovations mentioned on another thread.

http://www.dailyiowan.com/2013/05/13/Metro/33303.html

[urbanite17]

Wasn't sure where would be best to put this being that I couldn't find a thread for general downtown openings/closings... but nodo, a popular Northside Iowa City cafe will be opening their second location in the current Pizza on Dubuque location. Pizza on Dubuque will then move to a smaller location on Iowa Ave.

[url]http://www.dailyiowan.com/2013/05/16/Metro/33384.html
[/url]


Also, Giardiniera Chicago Kitchen, a Chicago-style food restaurant on S. Gilbert in the soon-to-be redeveloped Riverfront Crossings District will be moving downtown as well, according to their website.

http://www.orderchicagofood.com/

[libertyhawkeye]

So now in Iowa City there will be a Pizza Pod, a Pizza Pit, The Pit, and a Pita Pit, all within a few minutes of each other.

Has anyone ever been to Nodo?

[urbanite17]

Yeah that seems a little strange, I know. And many of them are within BLOCKS of each other.

I have been to nodo several times and it is DELICIOUS. Definitely a cool, urban diner-type place that I think can compete with the other restaurants downtown. I personally don't think there is enough grab-and-go restaurants downtown and this should do well.

On a different note, does anyone know anything more of what's happening with the Vine Restaurant building on S. Gilbert St.?

The Daily Iowan wrote something awhile back about the potential for apartments and I noticed the other day that work is being done on the upper floors.

http://www.dailyiowan.com/2013/03/06/Metro/32235.html