Marking the start of its extensive upcoming renovation project, Iowa City nonprofit Dream City will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 2 at 611 Southgate Ave.
Made possible by a $3 million ARPA grant from the City of Iowa City, the renovation will be carried out in collaboration with Hodge Construction Company and Slingshot Architecture, as stated in a press release from Dream City.
Dream City Executive Director and Founder Fred Newell highlighted the significance of the project in the release.
“We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with the support of the City of Iowa City
and our community partners,” Mr. Newell said in the release. “This renovation project marks a pivotal moment for Dream City and the broader community, as we enhance our capacity to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs. The new hub will not only provide state-of-the-art facilities but also foster collaboration and innovation, laying the foundation for inclusive economic growth in Iowa City.”
Dream City recently hosted a Community Demolition Day on June 29, which allowed them to demolish the majority of the inside of the building in preparation for the updates.
The renovated facility will include a commercial kitchen space, multi-use event and gathering spaces, micro-commercial space opportunities, as well as updated classroom and office spaces.
Mr. Newell said the plans have been in development since fall 2023, and that the ARPA grant significantly accelerated Dream City’s plans. Renovations are expected to be completed by Spring 2025.
“This grant was pivotal in acquiring the property at 611 and laying the groundwork for its transformation,” Mr. Newell said.
While the renovations are underway, Dream City will continue to serve the community in a “limited capacity,” Mr. Newell said.
“We are transitioning some of our programs to virtual platforms and leveraging the generosity of our community partners who are providing us with temporary spaces to ensure continuity in our services and support to the community,” Mr. Newell said.
As stated in the release, Dream City aims to create a collaborative environment where underrepresented entrepreneurs can access a range of resources, services, and programming. The goal of the new hub is to support current ventures and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.
