New mixed-use development planned near NewBo

A new mixed-use development in southeast Cedar Rapids is set to bring 85 market-rate units to the housing mix in the burgeoning NewBo District. The $23.7 million project is being pursued by High Properties and other local partners, including Conlon Construction and Neumann Monson Architects. The Cedar Rapids City Council this week voted to accept a proposal for development of the city-owned, one-acre property at 116 16th Ave. SE, just east of the African American Museum of Iowa and across the street from Kickstand, on the edge of the NewBo District. As planned, the project will include construction of one six-story building facing the Cedar River with 63 residential units and a second four-story building facing Second Street SE with 22 residential units and approximately 1,400 square feet of commercial space. A 12,054-square-foot elevated garden terrace will be located between the two buildings, and a 2,000-square-foot rooftop  terrace would sit atop the six-story building.

Cedar Rapids assistant director of community development Adam Lindenlaum said the city requested development proposals for the property in March and received four submissions. After evaluation, a panel comprised of representatives of The District the and Czech Village-New Bohemia SSMID, a financial lender, and a non-competing developer recommended the High Properties plan, Mr. Lindenlaub said, based on the capacity of the developer and the financial feasibility of the project. The council voted unanimously to pursue development of a project term sheet, which will be brought back to the council for further consideration at a future meeting. Councilmember Dale Todd said he felt “this design, for me, signifies a new level, a new phase for NewBo and for downtown.” “With a lot of things that have happened in Kingston, and even with some of the other designs that were presented today, we're pushing the envelope a little bit,” he said. “This is one of the first I see that really pushed it.” Councilmember Ann Poe praised developer Darryl High for how he’s incorporating the project’s design into the area along 16th Street SE. “That's such a busy street between the two historic neighborhoods, Czech Village and New Bohemia,” Ms. Poe said. “You've really paid attention that there are no barriers to entry at that location, because it is so visible. Thank you for giving that a lot of attention.” If the project is approved, construction will likely begin in the spring of 2024. The Gazette reports the project will be known as the Vesnice, which is Czech for village.