The full redevelopment process, including construction, is expected to take several years. The proposal selection process will take place within 2024:

• Feb – May 2024: Conduct public engagement.
• June – Aug 2024: Develop Request for Proposals (RFP) document.
• Sept – Oct 2024: Issue RFP.
• Nov – Dec 2024: Begin proposal review process.
• 2025: Selection of project partners and development of final project details

The City conducted an extensive public input phase from March 27 - May 1, 2024. Residents were asked to provide feedback on their downtown usage and the redevelopment project through one of the available methods: an online survey (available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, or Mandarin), e-mail, mail, or either of the two in-person open houses held on April 15th at the Iowa City Public Library or April 23rd at the Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center.

City staff are not reviewing the feedback and preparing a summary for City Council review and discussion at an upcoming work session. Additional public input opportunities are expected to be available later during the proposal review process. Comments submitted outside the formal public input periods may be submitted directly to City Council.

Documents & Resources

• Preparation for 21 S. Linn St. Developer Selection Process Staff Memo  (12/7/23)
• Review of Chauncey & RISE Processes to Inform Future 21 S. Linn St. Plans Work Session Recording (12/14/23)

Why did the City purchase the 21 S. Linn St property?

Without City intervention, it was expected the private market may produce a development which may not achieve many of the community goals and objectives for Downtown Iowa City. By acquiring this prominent property, the City is able to facilitate private redevelopment in a manner that is in the best long-term interests of the community. Future, increased tax revenue created by the new development will result in not only recouping the City’s initial financial investment of approximately $4.5 million, but also producing long-term financial return on that investment.

What type of development can be built here?

The property is zoned Central Business Zone (CB-10), which encourages high density, compact, pedestrian oriented shopping, office, service, and entertainment area uses. This zone is intended to accommodate a wide range of retail, service, office, and residential uses in a manner which is consistent with the Downtown Iowa City landscape.

What type of public benefits will the City prioritize?

Established City and Downtown District plans will guide public benefit priorities that will be sought through the proposal selection process. The values you are used to seeing be infused into City projects – like mobility, equity and inclusion, vibrant neighborhoods, climate action and more – will be considered and incorporated into this project as much as possible.

Why is the future tax revenue generated by this development important?

The City used reserve funds to purchase the property with the understanding that this investment would not only be earned back but would generate annual property tax income which the City can reinvest in public services that accelerate social economic and social development over the long-term. An entirely public or non-profit use at this site would take this valuable property off the tax rolls and limit the City’s future ability to meet the growing demand for both public and non-profit programs and services in our community.

I have ideas for this development. How should I share them with the City and how will my public input be used?

General comments can be submitted in your preferred language to publicinput@iowa-city.org. 

Additional public input opportunities coming soon!

We’d love for you to help us understand your experience in the downtown:

• Do you visit downtown? Why or why not?
• What would encourage you to come downtown more often, or stay longer?
• Do you visit downtown to shop, socialize, or recreate? Why or why not?
• Do or would you work or open a business downtown? Why or why not?

Your feedback will help City Council, staff, and developer respondents understand what type of building, uses, and benefits are needed to meet the needs and desires of the community.

I’m a local business or organization. How can I be included in the new development at 21 S. Linn?

The City will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) asking interested and qualified development groups to submit a project proposal for the site. The RFP will not list any specific organizations or businesses as future tenants of the development. You may wish to consider contacting architects or developers to make your case for being included in their proposal.   

How is the property being used in the meantime?

During the 2024 construction season, two notable projects are occurring in the vicinity of 21 S. Linn Street: the Dubuque St. Reconstruction Project and the Senior Center Exterior Renovations. Traditionally, these types of projects can be disruptive to traffic flow and parking options in the downtown. However, the vacant lot at 21 S. Linn St. will be used for construction staging during these projects to help mitigate traffic and parking impacts during the improvements. This offers a functional use for the property while the long-term development use is being determined.

How can I stay up-to-date on this project?

To sign up for project updates related to the redevelopment of 21 S. Linn St., please visit www.icgov.org/subscribe, enter your e-mail address, and check the box next to “Redevelopment of 21 S. Linn Street.” Under the “News and Topics” category Don’t forget to save your preferences!

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