The Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD), in partnership with Dubuque Street businesses, the City of Iowa City, and Portzen Construction, will host a Back to Dubuque Street Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 24. The event marks the completion of significant streetscape improvements and acknowledges the local businesses that remained operational during the months of construction, as stated in a release from ICDD.
The community block party will take place on Dubuque Street, which will be closed to traffic for the event. Activities include live entertainment, food and drink specials, and opportunities to shop local businesses from 4-8 p.m. Outdoor seating will be provided throughout the day.
The event will offer residents a chance to experience the updates made to Dubuque Street and to support the businesses that have navigated any disruptions caused by the construction. Retail shops will set up displays on the street throughout the afternoon, and restaurants will offer outdoor dining options. The evening’s entertainment will include performances from local bands and a BINGO event hosted by Micky’s Irish Pub, where participants can win prizes.
Participating Restaurants:
- Pullman Bar & Diner
- Micky’s Irish Pub
- Deadwood
- Which Wich
- Dublin Underground
- Sports Column
- Masala
- Nodo
- Z’mariks
Participating Retailers:
- Dulcinea
- The Shop
- Catherine’s
- 223 Baby Co
- Prairie Lights Bookstore
“The Dubuque Street businesses have shown incredible resilience during this project, and we are thrilled to come together as a community to celebrate their dedication and the street’s transformation,” said Christopher Hunter, ICDD director of marketing, in the release. “This mini block party is a chance for residents and visitors to experience the new improvements, celebrate the end of construction, and reconnect with their favorite businesses in the heart of downtown.”
The Dubuque Street Reconstruction Project is part of Iowa City’s Downtown Streetscape Update Plan. The project, which modernized infrastructure and enhanced pedestrian access, included upgrades to sidewalks, storm and sewer systems, bike racks, and streetscape features. On Aug. 30, the street fully reopened to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. While work on lighting installations and alleyway improvements is ongoing, the major construction along Dubuque Street, between Iowa Avenue and Washington Street, is complete.
“We are excited to be finishing up our third major Downtown Streetscape Project in the past ten years,” said Scott Sovers, assistant city engineer, in the release. “Everyone involved — including Portzen Construction, the Iowa City Downtown District, city staff, and all the impacted businesses — were instrumental in making this project a success. I would encourage the public to come downtown and witness the newly constructed improvements and to support local businesses.”
