Five experts from the Urban Land Institute, an international land use and real estate development professional’s organization, spent three days in Cedar Rapids studying the U.S. Cellular Center and its relationship to downtown housing. The five-member panel met with local representatives from the public sector, business community, development community, and non-profit sector to discuss opportunities to utilize the U.S. Cellular Center and downtown housing to attract the next generation of workers to Cedar Rapids. The panelists presented their findings publicly Thursday, June 4, 2009. Key highlights from their findings included:
- Conservative demand estimates of 200 units of Downtown Housing per year for the first five years post-flood.
- Support of the JLG Study’s conclusion that the U.S. Cellular Center should look to acquire the property at the corner of 2nd St. SE and A Ave.
- Suggestion that the City look at the option of purchasing the entire facility (Arena, Meeting Space, and Hotel)
- Recommendation that renovations to the U.S. Cellular Center include the closing of 3rd St. SE to create additional meeting space and a stronger street presence.
Contact Information
Community Development
101 First Street SE
Cedar Rapids IA, 52401
Phone: (319) 286-5041
Development@Cedar-Rapids.org
Related Links
Urban Land Institute
Related Documents
ULI Report
ULI Presentation
US Cellular Facilities Planning Study
EDA Grant Supplemental Information
