Two Cedar Rapids projects awarded $3.8 million from Destination Iowa program

CEDAR RAPIDS — The city of Cedar Rapids and African American Museum of Iowa are among the recipients of the state’s final round of Destination Iowa grants that aim to boost Iowa’s national profile by attracting more tourists.

The city was awarded $3 million toward outdoor recreation in the Czech Village and New Bohemia District, and the museum received $800,000 toward its renovation project, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Thursday. Eight other projects received funding.

The award funds come from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Reynolds last year announced $100 million to create the program. She allocated an extra $15 million to support projects in rural communities that went unfunded in previous rounds.

Overall, Destination Iowa awards were granted to 46 projects totaling $115 million — activating $480.27 million in total investment.

“Destination Iowa has inspired communities in all corners of the state to dream big about projects that will bolster quality of life and attract newcomers,” Reynolds said. “The demand is so high, especially in rural areas, that I’ve extended the program to help more rural communities realize those dreams.”

Cedar Rapids’ project is focused on the LightLine Loop in Czech Village and NewBo. The award represents 16 percent of the total project investment of nearly $19.3 million.

“This is another great example of an approach to public-private partnerships that the City of Cedar Rapids has perfected,” City Manager Jeff Pomeranz said in a statement. “By investing local, state and private dollars, this project will bring remarkable amenities to the southwest quadrant — amenities that will benefit the entire Cedar Rapids community while drawing visitors from across the state and nation.”

The project largely encompasses the construction of a new Czech Village Roundhouse and builds upon the loop created by the proposed Alliant Energy LightLine Bridge that connects the two historic neighborhoods — Czech Village and NewBo.

“Bringing back the Roundhouse has been a long-time vision for many Cedar Rapidians,” Pomeranz said. “This project is another example of the city’s commitment to listening to our community members and responding to their requests.”

In previous applications, Cedar Rapids officials suggested investments in the greenway and tourism experiences have been diverted over the years toward recovery from the 2008 and 2016 floods, as well as the 2020 derecho.

The Cedar Rapids Tourism Office has successfully showcased Czech Village and NewBo to visitors — typically attracting 600 to 1,200 spectators for large conventions and conferences, according to the city’s application. But a “lack of marketable gathering areas with a unique draw in Cedar Rapids” has posed a challenge.

The LightLine Loop is estimated to result in an economic impact of about $4.7 to $12.5 million a year.

The city initially sought $27 million to enhance outdoor recreation around the greenway along the Cedar River in Czech Village and NewBo, but later pared down its request to about $6.3 million.

“With the help of private investments, the support of The District and Czech Village organizations, and now this Destination Iowa grant, the Roundhouse will join several amenities envisioned in our Destination Iowa application, positively impacting tourism opportunities in Cedar Rapids,” Pomeranz said. “We are excited to move these projects forward and grateful for the state’s investment in Cedar Rapids.”

The African American Museum of Iowa was awarded $800,000 to support a major renovations project and to reinstall the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.-inspired “Trumpet” sculpture and garden. The award makes up 17 percent of the total project investment of about $4.8 million.

While Cedar Rapids is installing floodgates and doing street construction work outside the museum’s front door at 55 12th Ave. SE, the museum took the opportunity to close and do its $5 million renovations project. The facility is expected to reopen in December.

Museum Executive Director LaNisha Cassell in a statement thanked the governor and Iowa Economic Development Authority, which doled out the ARPA funds, for awarding the grant to the museum’s Voices Inspiring Progress campaign.

“This award is further testament to the significance of the AAMI in teaching about our Black heritage,” Cassell said. “Most importantly, it enhances our ability to educate Iowans about our full history, while lifting up the voices that have gone unheard.”

Pomeranz also acknowledged the museum’s award.

“We are very proud to have this remarkable cultural institution located in Cedar Rapids,” Pomeranz said. “The museum is a point of pride for our community and provides valuable resources to Cedar Rapids, the state of Iowa and our greater region.”

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