My girlfriend and I were in Iowa city this past weekend visiting her folks. Â I had been in the past, but had a better chance to look at the downtown area and some of the development surrounding IA City.
I was extremely impressed with Iowa City's dense, historic downtown.
Also, Iowa City (and abutting towns Coralville, North Liberty, etc.) must have some FANTASTIC zoning laws in place. Â As far as suburban development goes, almost anywhere that, in Omaha, would be just a run of the mill, one-story strip development, Iowa City had two and three story, mixed-use structures. Â Buildings were essentially just like your average strip mall, with restaurants and businesses, but with one or two levels of residences or offices above. Â I was so impressed. Â That's the type of suburban development that should be MANDATED by city governments.
I meant to get some photos, but didn't have the chance.
Has anyone else noticed this, in IA City or elsewhere? Any comments or insights?
Impressed with Iowa City
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yeah, i've noticed that. Â I love iowa city. Â I'm a nebraska fan, but we make it up to hawkeye games (wife's a big fan) a few times a year, and i love going. Â Their downtown is nice: lots of bars, restaurants, shops, and all are extremely walkable. Â In fact, the bars are pedestrian only (in downtown, or what they call "downtown"), and it's got sort of a feel like the old market, just that it's mainly college aged people. Â I think i have pictures of downtown, and the strip (highway that runs into coralville) where they have some awesome restaurants, too. Â Too bad so much of it was under water this past year. Â The only bad part about iowa city is that it's so far...but even still, hawkeye fan or not, you should definately go up on game days and tail gate: it's a blast! Â Just be careful of the iowa river, should you go; a buddy of mine tried hopping the median from one side to the other, and didn't know there was a gap and went right in the river. Â Made the papers there and everything.
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GO PANTHERS!!. Â Downtown CF is very nice. Â Quaint shops, bars, and restaurants. Â There is also a historic hotel that is pretty. Â I believe its called the Black Hawk Hotel.Linkin5 wrote:You should also check out downtown Cedar Falls, IA. It is home to UNI and has a pretty cool college atmosphere in its downtown.
I have also lived in Madison, WI. Â Talk about a great town (& great state for that matter)!! Â They have a great downtown. Â State street is also a great mix of shops, restaurants, & bars. Â They also have an awesome farmer's market on Saturday mornings that runs on the side walks around the capital. Â UW-Madison campus also has a great bar patio that over looks the lake.