Cedar Rapids medical district hires Chicago consultant

The Cedar Rapids Medical Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District, also known as MedQuarter, has hired a consultant to develop a master plan.

The Lakota Group, a Chicago-based urban design and community relations company, will develop an action-oriented plan over the next six months that will help establish the MedQuarter as a nationally recognized medical destination. Planners will seek input from district stakeholders and other community members through steering committee meetings, a series of individual one-on-one meetings and public forums.

Additional details regarding the planning process and updates will be communicated via the MedQuarter's website at www.crmedicaldistrict.com.

The Medical District was established in 2011 as a result of the Vision Cedar Rapids 2007 and the 2009 Neighborhood Planning Process. The organization is a revitalization partnership committed to promoting an urban medical community to improve the quality of life, advocate for new business and jobs in the MedQuarter.

The Medical District includes St. Luke's Hospital, Mercy Medical Center and the new Physicians' Clinic of Iowa Medical Mall, which opened on Monday.