Membership Business Resources Economic Development Events Our Community About Us Farmers' Market Member Directory Contact Us Search Login Downtown Home Our Community Downtown Downtown Cedar Rapids is full of life! This district features a variety of dining and shopping options, a vibrant arts and culture community, and exciting nightlife. The Economic Alliance works with area businesses and non-profits to support the creation of a beautiful, sustainable downtown area for all ages, so wet your whistle, fill your belly at one of the many unique, locally-owned restaurants, bars, and hot spots, and enjoy some entertainment in the greater Cedar Rapids community. Vision Downtown Cedar Rapids The Cedar Rapids community has seen an incredible amount of change over the past several years, due largely from the impact of the 2008 flood. The Economic Alliance is playing a part in assisting the City of Cedar Rapids with flood protection efforts through public policy advocacy and community outreach. As a staunch supporter and advocate for state and federal dollars, the EA has assisted the City of Cedar Rapids in securing $264 million over 20 years to build a flood protection system on both sides of the Cedar River. This Vision Downtown Cedar Rapids Plan provides a broad understanding of downtown’s purpose and helps to direct the energy and resources of future downtown development opportunities. As with the original plan, previous planning efforts and documents were critical to the development. There is no intent to reinvent the wheel, but rather to update already-dynamic plans to incorporate the latest circumstances and future opportunities. With many of the initiatives realized and much of Downtown Cedar Rapids and surrounding districts transformed, we're at a turning point. The most recent update to the plan in 2017 launches an even bigger and brighter future thanks to some significant factors like: Undeveloped land, or impact sites, in the heart of downtown Collaborative district leadership A general feeling of momentum for Downtown Cedar Rapids It has become more and more clear, as we have listened, observed, and engaged, that the focus is shifting from implementation to creating a vibrant downtown experience. Read the latest Vision Downtown Cedar Rapids Plan now! Downtown Facade Improvement Program The Downtown Façade Improvement Program (the Program) is intended to encourage property and business owners within the downtown to renovate their building fronts and other exteriors plainly visible to the public, in order to promote more renovations and high quality exterior improvements. Project costs are shared by the Downtown SSMID Commission and the City of Cedar Rapids. The Program has once again been funded for 2018 and 2019 by the Downtown SSMID and the City of Cedar Rapids. To begin the application process, reach out to Downtown Executive Director Jesse Thoeming at jthoeming@cedarrapids.org for an initial consultation. Between 2014 and 2017 the Downtown Facade Improvement Grant Matching Program made 14 awards totaling $100,000 in support of projects representing nearly $1.9 million in total façade improvements. These facade improvement projects were part of projects totaling over $52 million in capital improvements. Recently completed projects include the Armstrong Centre, the Clock House building, the Gatto Building, Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery, Theatre Cedar Rapids, the Smulekoff's Building and Town Centre. To find out how to apply for the Program, contact us today! Downtown Cedar Rapids Sucks The Downtown Cedar Rapids Sucks social media campaign debuted in summer 2018 and aimed to pique interest in downtown housing opportunities, events, quality of life and businesses. The campaign demands attention on a platform where success is made in capturing attention quickly and is made to be shared widely. Do we think Downtown Cedar Rapids sucks? No. Downtown Cedar Rapids is vibrant, lively and cultured. By using satire, the video series invited others to spread that message and share their “hometown” pride for Downtown Cedar Rapids. Community Development News Reflecting the City in Art: New Murals Bring Color and Perspective to Downtown Oct 18, 2021 ConnectCR is a grassroots effort that started as two separate projects—the revitalization of Cedar Lake and the construction of … Read More 2021 Farmers Market Season Creates Positive Economic Impact Oct 18, 2021 The community was more than ready to break out of the pandemic hibernation and breathe a sense of normalcy. One of the first eve… Read More Bounty Statue Continues Its Tour of the MedQ District Sep 30, 2021 A traveling classic continues. Commissioned by the MedQuarter Regional Medical District in 2016 as part of the Grant Wood-themed… Read More Dine Dwell Do Downtown Commission Downtown 2019 Annual Report Core District Housing Map Downtown CR Dollars Email News Straight to Your Inbox! Get updates on Business Support, Economic Development & Workforce, Public Policy, Community Development, leadership programs, regional news & more! SIGN UP TODAY About Us The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance combines the economic and community development efforts of the former Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Cedar Rapids Downtown District and Priority One. Navigate Membership Business Resources Economic Development Events Our Community About Us Membership Member Directory Become a Member Member Portal Contact 501 First St. SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 P: 319.398.5317 F: 319.398.5228 economicalliance@cedarrapids.org © 2021 Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance | economicalliance@cedarrapids.org | Privacy Policy | Web Application by Informatics, Inc. www.cedarrapids.org