Czech area deserves a chance to save historic homes

By Richard Luther

One of the hardest-hit areas in the 2008 flood in Cedar Rapids was the historic residential core south of Czech Village known as the Czech Immigrant Neighborhood. The City recently completed the final historic review required for use of federal funds, and demolitions now have a green light. Unless the Council takes action quickly, demolition of about 60 homes will begin this month.

Charles Jones (Green Development LLC) and I are working with neighborhood property owners and businesses in an effort to have the historic district designation reconsidered. At Tuesday's 5:30 p.m. City Council meeting, we will request delaying demolitions for about 30 days so we can complete this effort. If successful, the designation would allow homes and the neighborhood to be restored better than before the flood.

This neighborhood had provided about 139 affordable work force homes. It also represented a living example of an immigrant neighborhood built to accommodate workers in nearby businesses. This heritage is a significant part of the community reflected by Czech Village, the National Czech Slovak Museum & Library, and Bridge of the Lions, and many others.

The historic review process found 21 homes eligible for individual National Historic Register designation. An additional 97 homes were considered to be contributing to a possible historic district. However, the district designation was not recommended because of alterations to homes over time. If allowed, we would quickly work with community volunteers to remove these alterations on as many vacant homes as possible. This action would allow the historic survey information to be updated so that the neighborhood would be eligible for historic designation.

If we are successful, home renovations could begin immediately, resulting in:

l Significant private investment, estimated to be in excess of $5 million, in construction jobs and building materials for home restorations

l 100-plus homes restored to provide needed work force housing.

l New property taxes to support city services that otherwise will be lost.

l Preservation of the neighborhood's historic character and a visible testament to community concern for its heritage and flood recovery.

We urge citizens to contact the mayor and City Council or attend Tuesday's meeting to lend support to our effort.

Richard Luther, former Development Manager with the City of Cedar Rapids, has 37 years experience in community/economic development and is a private practice development consultant with Creative Development Solutions. Comments: Richard@creativedevelopmentsolutions.com