April Fools’ joke about fate of green space alarms Manville Heights neighborhood

IOWA CITY — Residents of Iowa City’s historic Manville Heights neighborhood awoke April 1 to the unsettling news that the fate of the former Hawkeye Marching Band field — tucked in the center of their community and slated for some undecided redevelopment — had, without warning, been decided.

“Coming soon: Manville Heights Liquor & Storage, and Rodina’s Speed Wash.”

A liquor store is far from the plethora of ideas and suggestions residents have proposed for the 7.8 acres that University of Iowa administrators plan to redevelop in their neighborhood — a plot that includes not only the green space formerly used for the Hawkeye Marching Band but an unused Parklawn Residence Hall to the west.

In an effort to involve residents, the UI last fall hosted a community meeting and convened a committee that included three neighborhood representatives and a UI planning and public affairs associate professor to discuss best options for redevelopment.

Residents suggested, among other things, senior living, affordable housing, a park, or possibly keeping it green and wild. So some were surprised to see the sign Friday morning announcing a liquor store, storage space and speed wash would be coming soon.

A UI administrator said phone calls about the sign came “bright and early,” but he was able to promptly assuage their fears, explaining the sign was only an April Fools’ Day prank.

UI Landscape Services removed the sign early Friday after neighbors called, according to UI spokeswoman Jeneane Beck.

As for the status of actual plans for redevelopment, UI Vice President of External Relations Peter Matthes told The Gazette administrators continue to “listen and work with the neighborhood.”

“There are no updates on timing at this time,” he said.

Vanessa Miller covers higher education for The Gazette.

Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com