New Bohemia street-scape nearing completion

CEDAR RAPIDS – The majority of a street-scape project in the New Bohemia district is nearing completion in southeast Cedar Rapids.

McGee Deitrich, construction engineering inspector for the city, said the goal is to have Third Street SE reopened to traffic between 11

^th

and 12

^th

avenues by Friday, with the street opened between 11

^th

and Eighth avenues by Labor Day weekend.

That coincides with events scheduled in the district.

The historic CSPS Hall, home to Legion Arts, reopens with a concert and gala Friday at 1103 Third St. SE.

The NewBo District Fest, with art, music, food, a half marathon and other events, takes place from Sept. 2 through Sept. 4.

“Hopefully it's all open by Labor Day,” said Pat Wieneke, construction project manager for the city. “That's what our push is.”

Rain could delay that work, however, he said.

Wider sidewalks with decorative paving, new lighting, trees and kiosks that feature information about the district are among the improvements.

On Monday, Aug. 22, crews installed new benches, garbage cans, bike racks and planters, while Acme Electric of Cedar Rapids worked on traffic lights and street lights.

The renovations have been in the works for years, with plans considered before the Flood of 2008 that ravaged New Bohemia.

“It will be nice,” said Jon Jelinek, owner of Parlor City Pub and Eatery, 1125 Third St. SE. Customers of Parlor City and businesses that rebounded since the flood have been challenged by parking and the street closures.

Work began in February, with replacement of an older water main that runs the full length of Third Street.

Half of the $3.1 million street-scape is funded by the city, with the other half through a property assessment.

General contractor is Rathje Construction of Marion.

Deitrich said the portion between 12

^th

and 14

^th

avenues will be the next phase of the project.

“By this time next year, this will be booming,” he said.