A final site plan and plat for a mixed-use development reimagining Coralville’s southeast commercial district will include nearly 19,000 square feet of retail space and 363 residential living units. The project, titled Gather Iowa, faced vocal opposition from several city council members last year, worried the development could uproot people living in affordable housing or […]
A final site plan and plat for a mixed-use development reimagining Coralville's southeast commercial district will include nearly 19,000 square feet of retail space and 363 residential living units.
The project, titled Gather Iowa, faced vocal opposition from several city council members last year, worried the development could uproot people living in affordable housing or working for underrepresented small business owners.
"We had a lot of concerns initially ... about displacing not only affordable housing but also affordable commercial space," said Coralville mayor Meghann Foster. "We appreciate working with us on that. We know this is the first part and there are other phases of this plan that are coming later, but we are still working through details of that."
Dallas, Texas-based Rael Corporation was able to persuade city council to approve a rezoning and master plan in July. City staff say redevelopment is important given that the area has faced flood damage several times.
All five lots in the Gather Iowa project will be developed at the same time.
An 11,462 square foot building will have 340 residential units on the floors above. The mixed-use building will include restaurant and retail space, and it will wrap around a 622 stall parking structure.
Two commercial buildings, five townhome and an outdoor plaza connecting all the properties together make up the other significant portions of the project.
City council also approved a workforce housing tax credit program, which pledges funds to support the developer's plan.
Ridgeview addition
A rezoning for the "Ridgeview addition" on the east side of Crossing Ridge Drive would allow developers to construct residential buildings totaling 61 units, after city council unanimously approved first consideration last meeting.
The two lots will be separated by Crossing Ridge Drive, which also will serve the new Clear Creek Amana Elementary School soon to be under construction, according to agenda documents.
New to the CBJ: A rendering of the planned Ridgeview development. CREDIT CORALVILLE CITY COUNCIL
It is likely second and third considerations will be combined and voted on next meeting.
Hyatt Regency renovations
Coralville City Council approved first consideration to renovate the bar and restaurant of Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel and Conference Center.
In April, the hotel announced it would increase its guest room county, build out the lounge with an expanded gym, improve its rooms with new technology and rebrand its restaurant.
A public hearing is scheduled for June 13.
