Cedar Rapids Expands: New Parking Structure, Golf Courses Open, and Community Development Updates
“Cedar Rapids’ new $20 million parking structure in Kingston Village addresses growing downtown demand.”
Welcome to our comprehensive update on the exciting developments taking place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. As we delve into the various projects and initiatives shaping our community, we’ll explore how these changes are impacting residents, businesses, and the overall landscape of our city. From new infrastructure to community programs, Cedar Rapids is buzzing with activity that promises to enhance our quality of life and foster sustainable growth.
Kingston Village Parking Structure: Addressing Downtown Demand
We’re thrilled to announce that Cedar Rapids is making significant strides in addressing the growing parking demand in our downtown area. The city is pressing forward with the construction of a five-story, $20 million parking structure near Kingston Yard. This project is a testament to our commitment to supporting the vibrant growth of our urban core.
- Location: Kingston Village neighborhood
- Cost: $20 million
- Capacity: Approximately 450 parking stalls
- Special Features: 10 electric vehicle charging stations and a bicycle storage area
Construction is well underway, with city crews having begun pouring the concrete for the solid slab of the parking structure’s first above-ground floor. We anticipate that the project will continue throughout the spring and summer months, with an estimated completion date set for late 2025 or early 2026.
Karin Kee, a project engineer with the city of Cedar Rapids, shared her enthusiasm for the project: “It should be a nice amenity to allow residents and customers in that area of First and First to more easily access and enjoy that area as it grows.”
The need for this parking structure became apparent following the 2023 opening of popular venues like Big Grove Brewery and Pickle Palace. As the Kingston Village neighborhood continues to flourish, this new parking facility will play a crucial role in supporting its growth and accessibility.
For those interested in staying updated on the progress of this exciting project, we encourage you to subscribe to the project newsletter at bit.ly/CRparkingupdate.
Golf Season Returns to Cedar Rapids
As the weather warms up, golf enthusiasts in Cedar Rapids have reason to celebrate. The city’s golf courses are preparing to open for the season, with Twin Pines Golf Course leading the charge.
- Twin Pines Golf Course opening: Tuesday, March 11 at 8 a.m. (weather permitting)
- Location: 3800 42nd St. NE
- Additional features: Driving range and award-winning Mini Pines Miniature Golf Course
Starting Wednesday, March 12, the Twin Pines clubhouse will open daily at 7:30 a.m., with tee times beginning at 8 a.m. It’s important to note that golf availability will depend on weather conditions, so we recommend checking with the Pro Shop and starter for any golf cart restrictions on a day-to-day basis.
While Twin Pines is ready to welcome golfers, preparations are still underway for the other city-owned courses, Gardner and Ellis. We’ll keep you updated as opening dates for these courses are announced.
For those looking to make the most of the golf season, season passes and punch cards for all three City of Cedar Rapids golf courses are now available for purchase. You can conveniently buy these online at PlayCedarRapidsGolf.com or in person at the Ellis Clubhouse or Twin Pines Clubhouse during their respective operating hours.
Marion Housing Project: Boosting Residential Development
In an effort to spur additional residential development, Marion officials have taken a significant step by approving tax incentives for an Uptown housing project. This move aligns with the city’s goal of increasing housing accessibility, as identified in their most recent housing study in 2022.
- Project: 24-unit apartment complex at 801 10th St.
- Developer: Hoth Flats LLC
- Estimated cost: $5 million
- Tax incentives: 10-year, 75% rebate on increased property taxes (up to $450,000)
The apartment complex will feature 18 one-bedroom units, six two-bedroom units, and a parking garage. This development is partially funded by Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program funds, allocated by the state following the 2020 derecho.
By supporting this project, Marion is taking proactive steps to address housing needs and promote urban growth. We look forward to seeing how this development will contribute to the vibrancy and accessibility of the Uptown area.
Linn County Food Symposium: Connecting Producers and Consumers
“Linn County’s food symposium aims to connect local agricultural producers with consumers, promoting sustainability and local sourcing.”
The Linn County Food Systems Council is organizing an important event that promises to strengthen our local food ecosystem. The upcoming food symposium is designed to foster connections between agricultural producers and consumers, focusing on sustainability and local sourcing.
- Date: March 28
- Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Location: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office, 1770 Boyson Rd., Hiawatha
- Cost: Free (registration required)
This half-day event will feature speakers from across Iowa, covering a range of topics crucial to our local food system. Attendees can expect presentations on:
- Sustainability in agriculture
- Local food sourcing strategies
- Certification opportunities for area growers
Following the presentations, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and engage in valuable networking. This symposium represents an excellent opportunity for farmers, food businesses, and consumers to come together and explore ways to strengthen our local food economy.
For more information or to register for this free event, please visit the Linn County Food Systems Council website.
Johnson County Office Remodel: Improving Public Services
As part of an ongoing effort to enhance public services and accessibility, Johnson County is making progress on its office remodel project. The Johnson County Board of Supervisors Office has recently relocated to the third floor of the Health & Human Services Building (HHS Building) at 855 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City.
- Project cost: $7.3 million
- Funding sources: General funds and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funds
- Scope: Remodeling of Administration and Health & Human Services buildings
County officials have emphasized that this project will not result in raised taxes for residents. The primary goals of the remodel are to improve safety, enhance customer experience, and increase accessibility for both county employees and the public.
For those interested in following the progress of this important project, updates and additional information can be found at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/remodel.
Yard Waste Collection Program: Efficiency Gains and Sustainability
Cedar Rapids’ Solid Waste & Recycling division has reported significant efficiency gains in its yard waste collection program. The city’s collection-by-appointment-only policy for yard waste during the winter months has shown promising results in its second year of operation.
- Collection period: Mid-December through end of February
- Miles saved: 6,350
- Fuel saved: 671 gallons
- Collection requests fulfilled: 2,185 (100% completion rate)
Patricia Hall, Solid Waste and Recycling division manager, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s success: “This was absolutely a success for the division and the City; demonstrating our commitment to efficiency and sustainability. Looking to the future, we aim to surpass these savings on miles and fuel, further enhancing our operational effectiveness.”
The efficiency of this program is particularly notable when compared to the busier months, where drivers make between 3,000 to 4,000 stops per day. By implementing this targeted approach during low-demand periods, the city has successfully reduced unnecessary trips and resource consumption.
Regular weekly YARDY collection resumed on March 3, marking the transition back to the standard collection schedule as we move into spring.
Parks Department: Controlled Prairie Burns for Biodiversity
The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department is taking proactive steps to promote biodiversity and maintain the health of our natural areas. The department has announced plans to conduct controlled prairie burns at select city parks, a practice that plays a crucial role in conservation efforts.
Controlled burning of native vegetation offers several benefits to our local ecosystems:
- Promotes species diversity
- Enhances habitat for local wildlife
- Suppresses invasive species
While specific dates for the burns have not been set due to their dependence on weather, wind, and ground conditions, they typically occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The city will operate based on a burn plan prepared by the Iowa City Fire Department, ensuring the protection of private property and structures.
This initiative underscores our community’s commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural spaces, contributing to the overall environmental health of Cedar Rapids and its surrounding areas.
Affordable Housing Open House: Shaping Cedar Rapids’ Future
As we look towards the future of Cedar Rapids, addressing affordable housing needs remains a top priority. The City of Cedar Rapids is inviting residents to participate in an important discussion about community needs for affordable housing and social services.
- Event: Community Open House for Five-Year Consolidated Plan
- Date: Monday, March 10
- Time: 4-6 p.m.
- Location: Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids
The purpose of this open house is to gather input for the city’s five-year Consolidated Plan. This crucial document will identify housing and community development needs, goals, and priorities for Cedar Rapids. It will also outline how limited resources will be allocated to address these identified needs.
For those unable to attend the open house in person, the city has provided an alternative way to participate. Residents can complete the Housing and Community Needs survey online at surveymonkey.com/r/JYKCTLS.
Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of affordable housing and community development in Cedar Rapids. We encourage all residents to take part in this important process, whether by attending the open house or completing the online survey.
Cedar Rapids Development Projects Overview
| Project Name | Type | Location | Estimated Cost/Budget | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston Village Parking Structure | Infrastructure | Kingston Village | $20 million | Addresses growing downtown parking demand, supports neighborhood growth |
| City Golf Courses Opening | Recreation | Various locations | N/A | Provides recreational opportunities, attracts visitors |
| Marion Housing Project | Residential Development | 801 10th St., Marion | $5 million | Increases housing accessibility, promotes urban growth |
| Linn County Food Symposium | Community Event | Hiawatha | N/A | Connects producers and consumers, promotes local food systems |
| Johnson County Office Remodel | Public Services | Iowa City | $7.3 million | Improves safety, enhances customer experience, increases accessibility |
| Yard Waste Collection Program | Public Services | Cedar Rapids | N/A | Increases efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, promotes sustainability |
| Parks Department Prairie Burns | Environmental Management | Various city parks | N/A | Promotes biodiversity, maintains ecosystem health |
| Affordable Housing Open House | Community Planning | Cedar Rapids | N/A | Gathers community input, shapes future housing policies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the new Kingston Village parking structure be completed?
A: The estimated completion date for the parking structure is late 2025 or early 2026.
Q: How can I stay updated on the progress of the parking structure project?
A: You can subscribe to the project newsletter at bit.ly/CRparkingupdate for periodic updates.
Q: Are season golf passes available for Cedar Rapids city courses?
A: Yes, season golf passes and punch cards for all three City of Cedar Rapids golf courses are available for purchase at PlayCedarRapidsGolf.com or in person at the Ellis and Twin Pines clubhouses.
Q: How can I participate in the discussion about affordable housing needs in Cedar Rapids?
A: You can attend the community open house on Monday, March 10, from 4-6 p.m. at the Ladd Library, or complete the online Housing and Community Needs survey at surveymonkey.com/r/JYKCTLS.
Q: What are the benefits of the controlled prairie burns conducted by the Parks Department?
A: Controlled prairie burns promote species diversity, enhance wildlife habitat, and help suppress invasive species, contributing to the overall health of our natural areas.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored in this comprehensive update, Cedar Rapids is undergoing exciting developments across various sectors. From infrastructure improvements like the new parking structure in Kingston Village to community initiatives such as the Linn County Food Symposium, our city is evolving to meet the needs of its residents and businesses.
These projects and programs reflect our commitment to sustainable growth, improved public services, and enhanced quality of life. As Cedar Rapids continues to expand and develop, we encourage all residents to stay informed and engaged in the processes shaping our community’s future.
Whether it’s participating in discussions about affordable housing, enjoying our newly opened golf courses, or taking advantage of more efficient city services, there are numerous ways for everyone to be part of Cedar Rapids’ ongoing success story.
We look forward to seeing these initiatives come to fruition and the positive impact they will have on our vibrant city. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build a stronger, more connected Cedar Rapids together.
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