Urbanism advocacy group stages festival in Cedar Rapids’ “Next NewBo”
Imagine Mound View event inspires College District neighbors to dream big.
Cedar Rapids’ College District will come to life during Imagine Mound View, a Tactical Urbanism festival designed to highlight the historic Mound View neighborhood and encourage residents to consider what it might look like in years to come. The event will take place on Saturday, September 9, 2017 from Noon–4 PM between Coe College and Mount Mercy University, on F Avenue & 17th Street NE.

Corridor Urbanism — a local advocacy group which meets in the neighborhood — will feature a set of low-cost, temporary changes to the built environment, highlighting possible improvements to the neighborhood. The group is targeting changes — like protected bike lanes — that can maximize impact quickly. Pop-up shops, music, food vendors, and public art will be featured, and a number of Cedar Rapids’ mayoral and council candidates have booked displays. Public agencies will also be on hand to collect input and feedback on ideas.

It’s all part of Corridor Urbanism’s goal of encouraging city-wide walkability, neighborhood connectivity, increased sense of place, and sustainability initiatives, while maximizing the potential of mixed-use and dense infill development. The event is programmed through a partnership with Legion Arts, a longtime anchor in the New Bohemia neighborhood.
Mound View business owners are on board; many offering their front yards to host the event. “We started to think that something like this could really come together,” explained Tom Podzimek, owner of Benchmark Construction and the event’s logistical chair. “With all of the activity down here, people are taking a closer look at the neighborhood and what it can be.”
The event is FREE, rain-or-shine, family-friendly, and open to the public. The group hopes you’ll attend and spend some of your fifth-season “time” imagining the possibilities of a neighborhood brought to life.

