City officials to reveal new designs for the downtown streetscape project

Ped Mall permanent stage canopy -- image courtesy of the City of Iowa City — The Ped Mall could receive a permanent stage canopy. — *image courtesy of the City of Iowa City*

The City of Iowa City invites community members to the Sheraton Hotel’s Amos Dean Ballroom on Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 5-7 p.m. for an open house event highlighting the next phase of downtown Iowa City’s streestscape renovation project.

Officials will reveal updated designs for Washington Street, Dubuque Street and the Pedestrian Mall based on input gathered from business owners and community members during the city’s 2013 streestcape planning phase.

Downtown Clinton Street -- image courtesy of the City of Iowa City — Clinton Street, downtown — *image courtesy of the City of Iowa City*

Improvements include “utility upgrades, wider sidwalks, new overhead festive lighting, larger planting areas and a permanent stage canopy in the Pedestrian Mall,” according to a City of Iowa City news release. Consultants and city officials will be available at the event to discuss the new designs and answer questions from the public.

The city plans to implement streetscape renovations gradually over the next several years through a tiered “short term” (1-2 years) and “mid-range” (3-15 years) system that prioritizes projects based on stakeholder, safety and infrastructure needs. The city’s master plan report for the streetscape project, first released in February 2014, is also available online.