Downtown News is provided by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance to Downtown stakeholders and provides the latest news and announcements for the heart of Cedar Rapids.
New, Transformed Experience for Urban Living Event in Downtown Cedar Rapids
Sunday, May 6
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Downtown Cedar Rapids + surrounding core districts
 
Living downtown puts you at the center of the action; with close proximity to amazing performance venues, locally owned restaurants and bars, arts and culture and more. With each new housing development, demand for urban living increases. And we have some pretty incredible spaces available to call home. This year, we're transforming our annual Urban Living event in Downtown Cedar Rapids to show you exactly what a downtown living experience could feel like.

Join us for a Sunday afternoon of touring available properties and seeing some of the amenities urban dwellers enjoy in the core districts of Downtown Cedar Rapids, including Kingston Village, the MedQuarter and Czech Village/NewBo.

Mark your calendar now and watch for more details soon!
Options for Downtown Business Participation in Downtown Farmers' Market
We are less than five months out from the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers' Market presented by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust! Last month we announced our season dates, which begin earlier than previous years, with the first market occurring on May 26.

There are a few options available to downtown businesses interested in participating in the Downtown Farmers' Market, in some cases dependent on if their business is within the venue or not. The venue will be announced in the coming months, but for now, downtown business can read the 2018 Vendor Handbook to review their options. 
Upcoming Training Opportunity for Real Estate Professionals on Downtown Housing Market
Demand is high for urban living, but it requires a different sales approach than other types of property. The Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors (CRAAR) will host a training on March 15 for real estate professionals to equip attendees with knowledge and context to best serve the downtown housing market. 

The training offers:
  • Explanation of the different core districts, downtown and resources available through the Economic Alliance, like the Downtown Housing Map.
  • Market analysis summary, including housing stock in core, downtown population projections and housing demand by type of property.
  • Niche sales training, including how to talk about the properties and the economics including taxes and dues.
  • Overview of future developments.

Presenters includes:
  • Craig Byers, Commercial Realtor at Pivot Real Estate and Co-Chair of the Downtown Housing Working Group.
  • Caleb Mason, Economic Development Analyst for the City of Cedar Rapids.
  • Candance Wong, Real Estate Agent with Iowa Realty.
  • Chad Pelley, Business Development Manager for both Fusion Architects, Inc. and Compass Commercial Services. 

This training opportunity is only available for members of the CRAAR. If you have questions, contact Krisstie Speth, Manager of Member Services at CRAAR.
Farewell to Downtown Executive Director Casey Prince
After sharing his talents with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance as Downtown Executive Director, Casey Prince will be leaving the Economic Alliance to become the Marketing Communications Manager at UFG Insurance. Casey's last day will be Friday, February 23. The Economic Alliance wishes Casey the best in his next move and is thankful for his time with us!

In the interim, downtown businesses can contact the Economic Alliance at (319) 398-5317 with any downtown related questions or concerns.
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The Downtown News is brought to you by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance