FAQs
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?
Overall, the City will seek a project that aligns with the values and priorities in the City’s FY2023-2028 Strategic Plan. Additionally, specific project goals identified by City Council include:
- Mixed-use building with active and engaging commercial uses on the first floor. Upper floors may be commercial, office, entertainment/recreational, hotel, residential or a combination of uses. Uses which support the small business culture of Downtown Iowa City and which are not alcohol-centric are encouraged.
- A mix of residential and market-rate housing and unit types which diversifies who lives downtown. Luxury housing focusing solely on the student-aged demographic will not be considered.
- High quality construction standards which exceed minimum building code requirements and a construction approach which demonstrates leadership in Climate Action.
- High-quality, contextual architecture which is welcoming and engaging to downtown users.
The RFP document includes more detail about specific project and site goals.
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?
An initial public input phase was conducted in the Spring of 2024. More details and results from this public input period are available under the "Public Input" section on this webpage.
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.
Where can I view and respond to the Request for Proposals for this project?
The 21 S. Linn RFP is available on the City's bidding platform, Ion Wave. All proposal submittals and RFP questions must be submitted electronically via Ion Wave. Submittals are due by 1pm on Friday, November 1, 2024. Additional submittal requirements and instructions are included in the project posting on Ion Wave.
I’m a local business or organization. How can I be included in the new development at 21 S. Linn?
The City has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) asking interested and qualified development groups to submit a project proposal for the site. The RFP does 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!
I have another question that wasn’t answered here.
If you have a question to about the RFP, you must submit it via Ion Wave. Inquiries to clarify the requirements of the RFP must be made no later than Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 5:00 pm (CT). All inquiries and staff responses will be posted for public viewing on the project posting in Ion Wave within three (3) business days of the response. Requests for City staff to meet with project teams or other interested parties will not be accepted.
If you other have general project questions unrelated to the RFP, please contact Economic Development Coordinator Rachel Kilburg Varley at 319-356-5248 or rkilburg@iowa-city.org
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