Sixteen Sites Could Become Prime Real Estate in Downtown Cedar Rapids

By Mark Geary, Reporter

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By Mark Geary

Story Created: Aug 13, 2007 at 5:32 PM CST

Story Updated: Aug 13, 2007 at 9:11 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS -- A committee charged with encouraging more people to move downtown has a new plan for Cedar Rapids.

The committee says sixteen properties could one day become prime real estate for people looking to live downtown.

Some of the sixteen sites are for sale. Others are not. But, the potential for housing at all those locations could change the way people think about downtown.

When you drive through downtown Cedar Rapids, you probably don't think, “Hey, this would be a great place to live.” City leaders want to change that.

"What we want to encourage is all prices, all types, all styles and that will then make something for everyone," Realtor Scott Olson said.

Water Tower Place has sold forty of its forty-five luxury condos.

Realtors say there's also housing potential at places like the Great Furniture Mart building.

Parts of the Theater Cedar Rapids building and the vacant top floor of the Coventry Garden could become condos, too.

"They're all smaller developments, but important in the fact that it spreads downtown housing throughout the corridor," Olson said.

Then, there are more unusual options -- like this parking lot or even the Federal Courthouse.

"It’s prominent location on the river is wonderful. The windows and just the location are great," landscape architect Stacey Hanley said.

The government plans to move out and donate the building to the city in the coming years.

Bringing businesses back and adding more entertainment options will also play key roles in the process.

The ultimate goal is to convince young professionals and empty nesters that downtown is a great place to live.

Next month, local, regional and national developers will visit Cedar Rapids to learn about all the downtown housing options.

There's also talk of a new downtown magazine to promote the area.

E-mail Mark Geary at Mark.Geary@kcrg.com

Here is a complete list of potential downtown housing properties:

1. Quest Building – 615 3rd Ave. SE
2. Tycoon Building – 425-427 2nd Ave. SE
3. Terry-Durin Co. – 407 7th Ave. SE
4. Smulekoff’s Warehouse – 411 6th Ave. SE
5. MCI Building – 323-327 3rd St. SE
6. Torch Press Building – 324 3rd St. SE
7. Theater CR Building – 100-112 3rd St. SE
8. Parking Lot – 217-229 1st Ave. SE
9. Office Building – 201 1st Ave. SE or 100 2nd St. SE
10. Federal Court House – 101 1st St. SE
11. Warehouse with Parking Lot – 42 7th Ave. SW
12. Great Furniture Mart – 600 1st St. SE
13. The Stop Off Tavern – 420 5th St. SE
14. Voelker’s Site – 316 8th Ave. SE
15. The Royal Hotel – 217/219 3rd St. SE
16. Coventry Garden – 213 1st Ave. SE

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