2015 Spring/Summer Downtown Magazine

spring/summer 2015

WEEKEND BRUNCH BITES : page 6 CREATING A BUZZ IN ‘URBAN TREE HOUSE’ : page 12

16 ‘MUST HAVES’ TO LOOK AND FEEL COOL THIS SUMMER : page 14 DOWNTOWN SHOPS WITH UNIQUE PERSONALITIES : page 18 6 DIFFERENT TAKES ON A PERFECT DAY DOWNTOWN : page 28

‘PATIO SEASON’ IS BACK! page 30

GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS HIGHLIGHTING IOWA CITY page 32 MARK YOUR CALENDAR: IOWA CITY FESTIVALS, EVENTS AND MORE! : page 36

page twenty-two

From NFL to new Retail Development Director

EXPERIENCE A HIGHER LEVEL OF

THE

LIVING

For more information, please call or visit us at:

ATeamListens.com

The A-Team is licensed to sell real estate in Iowa

THE ART OF REAL ESTATE

Tim Conroy

Adam Pretorius

tconroy21@gmail.com 319-321-3679

adam@adampretorius.com 319-400-2741

If you are buying or selling a home in the Iowa City area, be sure to visit the A-Team online. On this cutting-edge real estate website, you can search the local listings database of homes for sale, browse Alan, Adam and Tim’s featured homes for sale and get all the information you need to make the most of your next move.

Alan Swanson alan-swanson@mchsi.com 319-321-3129

506 E. College St. • Iowa City, IA 52244

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Getting Away is Better when Shared

Located in the heart of downtown on the Pedestrian Mall, Sheraton Iowa City Hotel offers warm and inviting guest rooms, free wireless Internet access in our Lobby at The Link@SheratonSM experience with Microsoft, plus fine cuisine at our restaurant Share Wine Lounge & Small Plate Bistro, with an emphasis on local ingredients. Enjoy additional amenities including: • • • •

37 inch flat screen television Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed Sheraton Fitness Programmed by EXOS Green Key Certified

210 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 337-4058

Book now at www.sheratoniowacity.com or by calling 866-716-8103

©2014 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Sheraton and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

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Downtown shops with unique personalities

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Setting the future for downtown iowa city 22 A perfect downtown day

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IC Eats IC a party IC shopping IC outside IC souvenirs IC art IC something to do

6 12 14 30 32 34 36

IC DOWNTOWN Magazine is produced by Press-Citizen Media in partnership with the Iowa City Downtown District. Š 2015 Iowa City Press-Citizen GENERAL MANAGER & DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Dale Larson EDITOR: Amy Sundermann Contributing writers: Nancy Bird, Lucas Passow, Betsy Potter, Katie Roche, Amy Sundermann, Angela Winnike Photographers: Justin Torner, Robyn Hepker, Betsy Potter, Bob Goodfellow Design: Benson & Hepker Design SALES MANAGER: Adam Kahler Account Executives: John Waldorf, Danielle Law, Doug Schoon

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Cover photo: Nate Kaeding is the new retail development director for the Iowa City Downtown District. Photo by Justin Torner.

WE CREATE

HERE

Shoppers explore the treasures to be found at Artifacts in the Northside Marketplace.

Photo by Justin Torner

Sycamore

319-337-3737

Coralville

319-337-4769

Downtown

319-337-4995

www.McDonaldOptical.com PC-6000044740

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“I went to a restaurant that serves ‘breakfast at any time’.

So I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance.” Steven Wright

eats

eekend bunch is practically a sacred event in downtown Iowa City. This hybrid meal, born of a late sleep-in or the need for post-church service sustenance, is marked by relaxed indulgence. Brunch is easy-going, fun and carefree. Fancy a pie shake with your Eggs Benedict, enough bacon for four, and the third cup of coffee? Why not! The weekends are made for brunching.

Whether you’re craving eggs over easy and crispy golden-fried hash browns or desire an endless supply of buffet options and a loaded Bloody Mary, Downtown and the Northside Marketplace have no shortage of tempting venues. If brunch is what you want, you’ll find it among the delights available at these six weekend hot spots. n

Bluebird Diner

330 E. Market Street Recently named one of the Top 21 Best American Diners of 2015 by Thrillst. com, Bluebird Diner offers up a retro-diner experience and menu items with a twist. Try a regular favorite, the “Krakatoa,” an omelet with pecan-smoked bacon, jalapeno, cilantro-lime cream cheese and melted Pepperjack. The restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced meats, produce, dairy, and they even roast their own coffee.

Breakfast menu items range from $3.75 (homemade buttermilk pancakes) to $18 (scrambled eggs with truffles). Sat & Sun breakfast available 7am-1pm

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From Past to Present...

PHOEBE MARTIN

is your Iowa City native with extensive real estate knowledge in Iowa City and surrounding areas.

Ardenia

1972

1978 City Hig h Sch

o ol

Henry Sabin Ele mentary

1990

2 5 3 0 C o rrido r Way, Suit e 302

Cell: 319-541-8695 phoebe@skogman.com www.phoebemartin.skogman.com

P ho ebe Mar tin PC-6000044784

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eats Graze

Motley Cow Café

115 E. College St The “no rules” attitude of brunch is fully embraced at Graze on the Pedestrian Mall. Their brunch buffet serves up unlimited scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, crispy bacon, mac and cheese and, of course, Graze’s famous chicken lips.

Weekend Brunch Buffet $12, Sat & Sun, 10:30am-2pm

Hamburg Inn No. 2

Pullman Bar & Diner

160 N. Linn St

214 N. Linn St

17 S. Dubuque St

The beauty of brunch is being able to feast on breakfast staples and burgers together.

Motley Cow delivers with a gorgeous buffet that includes a maincourse choice of lemon pancakes, or an omelet or a cheeseburger made to order.

Motley Cow Café is a cozy bistro devoted to farm-fresh ingredients.

You may have to wait in line to have brunch at this legendary Iowa City institution, but it’s well worth it. Hamburg Inn No. 2 is nationally known for its Iowa Coffee Bean Caucus and high-profile political visitors, who always seem willing to take a break from campaigning for a pie shake.

This restaurant, thankfully fully recovered from a fire a year ago, is a memorabiliafilled classic. Almost a full page of the menu is dedicated just to omelets.

Step back in time in this new restaurant styled after a Pullman railway diner car, complete with exposed brick walls and leather counter seats. Watch the magic happen in their open kitchen.

Pullman’s brunch includes traditional diner fare like French toast and fried eggs, as well as elegant options such as eggs “en concotte,” two soft-cooked eggs, porcini cream, oven-dried tomato and Grana Padano.

Sunday Brunch Buffet, $15 adult & $8 child, 9:30am-2pm

Breakfast menu items range from $1.29 to $8.79. Open every day, from 6:30am

Breakfast and Brunch menu items range from $4 (brown sugar coffee cake) to $13 (corned beef hash). Sat & Sun open at 8am

more

information Bluebird Diner 330 E. Market Street Graze 115 E. College Street Pullman Bar & Diner 17 S. Dubuque Street Motley Cow Café 160 N. Linn Street El Banditos 327 E. Market Street Hamburg Inn No. 2 214 N Linn St

El Banditos

327 E. Market St Looking to heat up your morning? Eggs in Hell (three eggs drowning in diablo sauce) should appease those spicy desires. Shown here are homemade jalapeno poppers with chipotle cream cheese and jumbo shrimp in a wonton wrapper. El Banditos’ brunch menu features impeccable, authentic Mexican dishes like the El Guapo, a skillet with your choice of chorizo and local bacon, ranchero sauce, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream. El Banditos places a particular emphasis on ingredients sourced from local purveyors for all of their eggs, meats, produce and tortillas.

Weekend Brunch Saturday & Sunday 9am-2pm

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Eat Local • Drink Local • Be Local

118 E Washington St

EAT, DRINK, GIVANNI’S

FORMOSA

Eating at Givanni’s (109 E College, givannis.com) is a timeless experience. This downtown restaurant has been offering made-from-scratch Italian cuisine for 30 years.

The tantalizing menu features homemade pastas such as Sweet Potato Ravioli and Gnocchi, hand-rolled flat bread pizzas, and steaks that rival the best in Iowa City. The ambiance at Givanni’s is equally as inspiring, offering diners an incomparable atmosphere with an art deco flair & original artwork.

Formosa’s vibrant location at the gateway to the Ped Mall in Iowa City offers a hip venue for some of the most sought after sushi in the Midwest. Formosa (221 E College, formosadowntown.com) has become known for some of its untraditional menu items like its most popular sushi roll, the Las Vegas and its Cotton Candy Martini which is served a top a cloud of spun sugar. With over 40 sushi rolls on its menu, Formosa is perfect for both a sushi novice and connoisseur.

TAKANAMI Takanami (219 Iowa Ave, takanamidowntown.com) has been a mainstay in downtown Iowa City for a decade. Focusing on Asian-inspired cuisine and award-winning sushi, Takanami recently added Teppan grills to its line up of impressive cuisine. The Teppan experience is equal parts theatrical show and social dining as the chefs prepare the food on grills in front of the diners.

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Downtown Iowa City: more dining options than you can shake your first hour of free parking at.

American 6

Atlas World Grill

87 Bluebird Diner 24 Bo James

155 Brother’s Bar & Grill

44 Takanami Sushi Bar — Teppan Grill 91

Taste of China

141 Uncle Sun

35 Clinton Street Social Club

Coffee/Tea/Bakery

159 Donnelly’s Pub

143 Bubble Karaoke Café

170 DC’s Sports Bar 165 Fieldhouse

88 George’s Buffet 180 Graze

85 Hamburg Inn #2 22 Hearth 11 13

Micky’s Irish Pub

Pullman Bar & Diner

130 Quinton’s

187 Share Wine Lounge & Small Plate Bistro

36 Short’s Burger & Shine 55 Sports Column 40 Summit

154 Swankie Frankie 68 Teddy’s Burgers 207 The Mill Restaurant 48 Yacht Club

Asian/Sushi/Chinese 25 Food Republic 191 Formosa Restaurant – Sushi Bar – Lounge

23 Osaka Japanese 219 Szechuan House

220 Thai Flavors

Fusion

98 Linn Street Café

67 Gabe’s Iowa City

109 Motley Cow Café

92 I.C. Ugly’s Saloon

Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt

184 Martini’s

4

Joe’s Place

164 Pints

190 Bread Garden Market

151 Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt

49 Studio 13

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183 The Union

103 High Ground Café 128 Java House

161 Yotopia: Iowa City’s Original FroYo

38 Molly’s Cupcakes

Italian/PIZZA

205 No 18 Karaoke & Bubble Tea 12

Prairie Lights Café

209 Starbucks

Cold Stone Creamery

33 Airliner

149 Baroncini 5

Basta Pizzeria Ristorante

Deli/Sandwiches

124 Forbidden Planet Pizzeria & Video Arcade

45 Brueggers

26 Mesa Pizza

80 Brix Cheese Shop & Wine Bar 129 Heirloom Salad Company 18

Jimmy John’s

118 Mama’s Deli

178 Givanni’s Italian-American Restaurant 20 Moonrakers

73 Pagliai’s Pizza 78 Pizza Pit

150 PepperJax Grill 3

Pita Pit

119 Subway 16

Which Wich

French

197 Crepes De Luxe Café 21

One Twenty Six

Mediterranean

90 Oasis Falafel

Mexican

221 Cactus Mexican Grill & Cantina 105 El Banditos 205 Mami’s Authentic

158 Mondo’s Saloon 29 Panchero’s Mexican Grill

Spanish/tapass 99 Devotay

Steakhouses

43 The Pizza POD

132 Iowa Chop House

Lounge

185 Joseph’s Steakhouse

8 nodo

94 Northside Bistro

157 TCB Pool Hall

42 Blue Moose Tap House 56 Deadwood Tavern 7

Dublin Underground

42 Eden Lounge & Nightclub

131 Englert Theatre

Vegan/Vegetarian 133 India Café 10 Masala 14

Z’Mariks Noodle Café

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bloomington street

exit 244

80 94

78

linn street

clinton street

dubuque street

92 91 90

88

acity

market street 103

list of dininG and s, visit m

98

Restaurants listed in black are in downtown Iowa City

Restaurants listed in blue are in the Northside Marketplace

Chipotle

Cookies & More

clinton street

China Star

tower place parkinG ramp

56

1ST HOUR FREE!

55 49

48

68 67

free wifi on tHe ped mall

washington street

128 129 130 131 132 133

pedestrian mall 124 151

150 164

165 170

178

180

141 149

143

iowa city public library

159 158 157 155 154

161

Pizza and More Sushi Kicchen

42 43 44 45

6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 16 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 18 17

118 119

Noodles & Company Seoul Grill

5

linn street

3 4

40 38 36 35 29

Bubblepop

secret passaGeway to tHe nortHside

iowa avenue

33

Buffalo Wild Wings

jefferson street

For the most current list of dining and entertainment options, visit downtowniowacity.com

natural History

Town Center 201 South Clinton Street

109

#downtowniowacity

correspond to numbers on the Downtown Iowa City maps. of uikiosk museum

old capitol town center In the Old Capitol

105

99

owa pentacrest Location numbers

capitol seum

87

gilbert street

85

183 184

college street

187 190 191 sHeraton Hotel

Hotelvetro

197

185

Tic Tac Toe CafĂŠ

1ST HOUR FREE! 209

207

dubuque street

T.spoons

capitol parkinG ramp Wraps & Rolls

dubuque street parkinG ramp

1ST HOUR FREE!

205

219 220 221

burlington street

“Partying is such sweet sorrow.” Robert Byrne

a party

By Amy Sundermann

Birthday Buzz

uzz Salon marked one year in its sleek, new location with a blow-out celebration on April 16, sponsored by Elle magazine and Wella Professionals hair care. The salon occupies the first two stories of the Park @ 201 building, a 14-story, gleaming glass high-rise designed and built by the Moen Group and Neumann Monson Architects.

Buzz owner and founder Jodi Connolly thinks of the space as an “urban tree house.” The open, flexible design creates an inspiring space for Buzz’s day-to-day business, but it can also be reconfigured to host large events like this anniversary party, which was open to the public and welcomed nearly 200 people.

Music from DJ Natalia Espina enhanced the urban-chic ambience. Tommy Connelly’s new restaurant, Forbidden Planet, kept partiers satiated with beef tenderloin and tuna tartare hors d’oeuvres. As they left, guests received a swag bag of products from Wella and Elle.

Erin Carson came from Elle magazine in New York to attend the party. She was impressed by her first visit to Iowa City and to Buzz. “This salon is so beautiful. I love how it’s open to the outside. You can sit and watch all the activity on the Pedestrian Mall while you get your hair cut,” she noted.

Buzz stylists recently showcased their work at Wella’s North America Trend Vision Awards. Wella account manager Karen Kaalberg gives the shop high marks saying, “Buzz is a well-established salon known for creating exquisite hair for their clients as well as employing a staff of highly trained, experienced stylists. Their reputation for cutting-edge style has earned them praise, not only in Iowa City, but across the country. “ Jodi Connolly was delighted to share this celebration with the community and to welcome representatives from Elle and Wella, saying, “Iowa City is a cosmopolitan, sophisticated city, and Buzz is thrilled to call it our home town. It’s wonderful to have this kind of attention from the beauty and fashion world.” n

more

information Buzz salon 110 South Dubuque Street 319-466-4270 info@buzz-salon.com buzz-salon.com instagram.com/buzz_salon pinterest.com/BuzzSalon buzzsalon.tumblr.com facebook.com/buzzsaloncom twitter.com/Buzz_Salon youtube.com/channel/ UCvAmKDC8pLmInSixLch6n_A

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Nichole Gearhart (left) and Alanna Arrington from Mother Model Management

P RIM AV ER A C OL L EC T ION

110 East Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240 319.351.1700

Adventure

CALLS

BMW MOTORCYCLES OF IOWA CITY

Visit our showroom to see the 2015 models

319.338.1404 | 3 Escort Lane, Iowa City

www.bmwmotorcyclesofiowacity.com SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Summer Must-Haves

Bug Soother

shopping

he temperatures are climbing, and downtown businesses have all kinds of new items to help you look and feel cool this summer. We hunted down some of the area’s hottest accessories and wardrobe pieces to ensure a most fashionable and comfortable season in the sun.

Havianas flip flops Catherine’ Boutique, $26

Items on this page can be found at the downtown retailer listed. n

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information

Repurposed guitar string and crystal bracelet set Glassando, $39

Active Endeavors shopactiveendeavors.com Buzz buzz-salon.com Catherine’s CatherinesIC.com Discerning Eye discerningeyeoptical.com

360 Sweater Larissa Tank

Glassando glassando.com McDonald Optical mcdonaldoptical.com Prairie Lights prairielights.com Raygun raygunsite.com

Velvet Coat, $127

CARVEN swimsuit

Sicily Boutique, $199

Revival revivaliowacity.com Running Wild runningwild-iowa.com Sicily Boutique sicilyboutique.com Tailgate tailgateclothing.com The Full Kit thefullkit.com University Camera ucamera.com Velvet Coat shopvelvetcoat.com

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Oribe Anti Humidity travel size Buzz Salon, $22

Baggu Canvas Boat Tote Revival, $68

University Camera, $6

“The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out with only a loaf of bread are three billion to one.” Erma Bombeck

FACEBOOK: TAILGATE IOWA INSTAGRAM: @TAILGATEIOWA PINTEREST: TAILGATEIOWA TWITTER: @TAILGATEIOWA SNAPCHAT: TAILGATEIOWA

30 SOUTH CLINTON STREET, IOWA CITY • TELEPHONE: 319-359-1628 PC-6000044752

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get your summer on

shopping S’well water bottle Tailgate, $35

KOBO e-reader

Prairie Lights Bookstore, $150-$200

Patagonia Swim Trunks

Active Endeavors, $69

Iowa Vowel’s T-shirt

Ray Bans sunglasses

Raygun, $21

McDonald Optical, $120-$250

FASHION T HAT SUI T S

YO U .

CITY’S SOUR CE WA IO

Ewers Men’s Store

FO R

MEN’S CLOTHING

Full Service Men’s Store

FORM A L CASUAL B I G & TA L L for every occasion

28 S Clinton Street, Downtown Iowa City

319.337.3345 ewersmensstore.com 16

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Herschel Backpack The Full Kit, $80

Garmin Vivo

Running Wild, $130

Ellison Eyewear sunglasses

Discerning Eye, $120-$280

Hills Bank and Trust Company

Your hometown bank... on campus!

Iowa City Downtown Old Capitol Mall

It’s with great enthusiasm that we celebrate our IMU Office moving to its permanent basement location!

Iowa Memorial Union Basement, IMU University of Iowa Hospitals Fountain Entrance Connect with us @HillsBank

1-800-HILLSBK •

Convenience in the Community • 2 bank locations on campus and 1 near campus • 25 ATM locations on or near campus and over 90 ATMs throughout the community • Link your Iowa One® Card to your Hills Bank UI Student Checking Account

HillsBankUI.com

• Member FDIC SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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By Amy Sundermann

shopping Downtown The Full Kit recently partnered with Nike to design a shoe inspired by the 2006 Iowa City tornado. The run of 100 pairs nearly sold out on the first day they were available.

There really is something for everyone downtown. owntown is known for its vibrant nightlife, but in the daylight hours it’s a shopper’s delight. The unique stores and boutiques offer a variety of carefully selected merchandise to suit any taste and budget. Each business presents its own personality, inviting loyal customers and those passing by to come in and explore.

This year, Velvet Coat, 105 E. College St., will celebrate 15 years of providing women’s apparel and shoes to a loyal clientele. For owner Michelle Galvin, the store’s longevity is due not only to high-quality merchandise, but also to the service they provide for women who don’t have time to spend hours searching for the perfect item.

“Women are so busy right now, and they wear so many hats. Time really has become a luxury. I do a lot of research to find my favorite lines to offer our clients, in a range of categories. We carry pieces that are appropriate for work and casual occasions, as well as more formal events like weddings.

My job is to carefully edit down the selection and bring back the best,” she said.

Galvin knows that shopping can be stressful, but she firmly believes that fashion should be fun, and she and her staff are there to help. As she explained, “I want people to be comfortable here and have a good time. I want people to leave feeling inspired. Come in, spend an hour with me, get everything you need, and then have the rest of your time for your own.”

The Iowa Artisans Gallery, 207 E. Washington St., sits at the gateway to the Pedestrian Mall and focuses on bringing contemporary American art and craft to Iowa City.

Marketing Director Astrid Bennett explained that artists started the gallery 30 years ago and a group of

artists continues to own it today. This perspective maintains the gallery’s focus on being a conduit between artists and the community. Visitors encounter a range of work from jewelry (a consistent best-seller) to textiles, wall art and more.

Most pieces are accompanied by information about the artist, which contributes to a more personal experience.

“We are a ‘please touch’ store,” Bennett said. “We want people to have a tactile experience that, combined with the story of the person who made the work, creates a special creative connection.”

Fourteen years ago, Mitch Dettman opened The Full Kit, 332 E. Washington St., as a skateboard store dealing primarily in the hardware needed to pursue the sport he loves. As skateboarding has grown in popularity, and as the culture and fashion associated with the sport have worked their way into popular trends, the store has evolved into a men’s clothing and sneaker boutique.

The Full Kit prides itself on carrying collectible, lifestyle lines from brands such as Nike and Adidas. Many of these lines are hard to find in other places. The store gets involved on the creative side as well and recently partnered with Nike to design a shoe inspired by the 2006 Iowa City tornado. The run of 100 pairs nearly sold out on the first day the shoes were available.

Dettman, who recently opened a second location in Davenport, said sometimes people are surprised to find these unique items in a smaller town. But they shouldn’t be.

“This is a store that people expect to find in a bigger market, like Chicago.

But social media means that trends travel farther, faster. Why shouldn’t people expect Iowa City to have cool stuff?”

Iowa City Est. 1986

outdoor apparel and accessories

138 S Clinton Street Downtown Iowa City Since 1986 SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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AKAR, 257 E. Iowa Ave., is the creation Jigna and Sanjay Jani, two architects who brought their love of art and design from India to Iowa City. Originally, architects designed most of the items AKAR carried. The product lines have expanded over the years but are united by the Janis’ passion for items that are both beautiful and well designed.

Artifacts

The corner building has large windows on two sides, with enticing items always on display. Step inside to find stylish watches and writing instruments, lovely yet functional tabletop pieces, books and a variety of other art for the home in a range of price points.

AKAR is a wonderful place to find well-made, interesting toys and gifts for babies and children. “We always try to have items available at child-height, that they can touch and play with. Children are the future. They have to be able to explore and learn,” Jigna explained.

A gallery on one side of the store is dedicated to monthly pottery shows by different ceramic artists. These shows are typically planned a year in advance and pieces are available to purchase online as well as in the store. This May, for the ninth year, AKAR curated its largest annual show, exclusively comprised of ceramic Japanese cups called “yunomi.” Two hundred artists each submitted five cups for the show, for a total of 1,000 pieces.

On a busy corner in the Northside Marketplace, treasure hunters will find Artifacts at 331 E. Market St. Todd Thelen is passionate about his shop packed full of vintage wonders and will celebrate 20 years in business this year. While it’s hard to pin down exactly what one might discover at Artifacts on any given day, there are some criteria.

“It has to be vintage, and it has to be interesting,” Thelen explained. “Our motto is, ‘No boring stuff allowed.’”

AKAR

Thelen works with nearly 1,000 consigners to accumulate his ever-changing inventory. This past Christmas, the store was lucky to be the beneficiary of a jackpot one of their “pickers” found in an estate sale.

“The family had saved every single toy they bought their children in the ‘50s and ‘60s, most in their original boxes.

These toys made for an amazing Christmas window display,” he said.

Thelen described some of the more peculiar items he has received, including a gigantic jar filled with chicken wishbones and a sign on the lid that said, “325 wishes.”

Another consigner frequently brings in mammoth teeth he excavates from a secret spot on his property.

If animal remains aren’t your thing, Artifacts also has an impressive collection of vintage clothing, glassware, furnishings and artwork.

“Our customers are pretty much everyone, from students in need of affordable furnishings to serious collectors. We have everything from 50 cent post cards to artwork worth thousands of dollars,” Thelen said.

Velvet Coat owner Michelle Galvin, Artifacts co-owner Todd Thelen, Iowa Artisans Gallery co-owner Astrid Bennett, AKAR owner Jigna Jani

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The five businesses highlighted here provide a glimpse into the more than 50 diverse retailers who call Downtown and the Northside Marketplace home. No matter what you’re searching for, chances are you can find it here. n

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future

By Nancy Bird, Downtown District Executive Director

setting the

for downtown retail

s we strive to activate a comprehensive vision for the future of Downtown, we are carefully assembling a team and a retail strategy that will bring balance and stability to the many commercial and cultural interests within the Downtown District.

The downtown vacancy rate is consistently at 2 to 3 percent, indicating that our location is highly sought after by tenants and investors. Despite high demand, we have not fully understood how to support additional retail when space was already at a premium. In the fall of 2014, through a joint City and Downtown District effort, we commissioned Downtown Works — retail consultants to large urban markets, small downtown districts and private developers in cities across the U.S. — to study post-flood, post-recession market realities and to examine if our unique offering can support additional storefronts. The Iowa City Downtown Retail Strategy was finalized in December 2014. (It’s available to review at downtowniowacity.com.)

Downtown stakeholders, myself included, had to confront a massive learning curve throughout this process. Downtown Works partners Midge McCauley and Kelly Kost shared perspectives about owning restaurants and retail stores in Seattle and Portland, as well as consulting for Manhattan’s Grand Central, Bryant Park and the merchandising and re-leasing of Times Square. They gave us unique insights about Downtown’s place in a region peppered with traditional malls and strip development. Delivered with tact, but pulling no punches, the analysis revealed some critical holes in our current efforts.

Downtown Works’ report recommends that a significant time investment is necessary to get all property owners working together to support co-tenancy and to usher in investments that will better position the Downtown for tenants that attract the larger community. Quality, clustered, and contiguous storefronts is a crucial theme of the final report.

Mark Ginsberg of MC Ginsberg, a new property owner of 112 E. Washington St., where Whitey’s Ice Cream once operated, and master lease holder of other downtown properties, has been a staunch supporter of the strategy.

“There has always been a somewhat anxious feeling that if I don’t take this tenant, it will be the last to come along, which, of course, has never really happened,” he said. “But when you’re working in a void of information about what your competing properties are doing, it’s easy to step into this trap.”

Downtown has an extremely healthy food and beverage cluster, which makes it an easy target for more. Downtown Works has encouraged stakeholders to continue to invest in solid restaurateurs that bring something fresh and new to Downtown, but otherwise to seek out new offerings. New restaurants that opened recently — such as Pullman and the Iowa Chop House in 2014, and Clinton Street Social Club and Brix in 2012 — each added a distinct, new appeal.

Ginsberg is operating with the new retail strategy in mind and is a good example of a property owner positioning for something different. “I’ve turned down many of what I see now as the same restaurant concept I would have probably taken this time last year,” he noted.

Continued on page 26

Staff at Iowa Artisans Gallery are happy to beautifully gift wrap your purchase for that special someone.

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coasters from raygun

To help achieve our goal of a balanced tenant mix, the Downtown District sought support from a retail strategist that understands the unique assets of urban, historic commercial centers. Downtown Works is helping to navigate the challenges and opportunities, and develop a targeted strategy to support commerce in downtown Iowa City.

The Iowa City Downtown District retail strategy These are four key recommendations from the Downtown Works practice group that specializes in urban initiatives and downtown retail environments:

1

Hire staff to support existing retail growth, recruitment, and landlord relations.

Ensure continuity of first-floor storefronts that are open for business throughout the day. Currently there are multiple properties that break up the shopping experience by either being closed during the day or by blank walls and tinted windows. The shopper needs to be enticed down the street by each storefront. Often, the property owner doesn’t realize the impact on the street and may be willing to support a larger vision if one is presented.

2 Downtown Works is a real estate development company that focuses on urban retail projects. The company was founded in 2001 and is based in Philadelphia and Seattle.

Midge McCauley, Principal Midge directs Downtown Works’ practice group specializing in urban initiatives and downtown retail environments. She brings her clients over twenty-five years’ experience as a specialist in retail consulting for urban projects, both public and private, and business improvement districts.

Establish retail-oriented design guidelines that give predictability to new investors and ensure that all storefronts can help attract a strong neighboring retail tenant. The more beautifully designed storefronts and window displays are, the stronger the appeal for other investment. Signage was equally emphasized. The lack of signage currently visible to pedestrian and car traffic would challenge any retailer, according to Downtown Works’ Midge McCauley and Kelly Kost. In fact, creative signage can often be a hallmark of a downtown neighborhood. McCauley and Kost encouraged the City and stakeholders to let go of fears about setting regulations that only cater to the lowest common denominator in signage. It will keep retailers from growing and will hinder the market.

3

4

Improve key corners where contiguous storefronts are particularly challenged. The corners of Washington and Dubuque Streets — the entry way to the City’s pedestrian mall — needs tailored support. These corners are owned or managed by banks and the University of Iowa and significantly impact the ability to pull shoppers around the corner or down the street. The environment should lead shoppers to the next store, or they will tend to abandon the mindset, cross the street, or head home. It is important to work with US Bank, MidwestONE Bank, the City, and the University of Iowa (owner of the Jefferson Hotel) to reconnect these properties with other contiguous shops and restaurants.

Ritu Jain, owner of Textiles for many years downtown, supports the research behind the new retail strategy.

“Realizing that we can individually increase sales if we collectively tweak our operations to support a better street environment was an eye opener,” she said. “I had some support on a window-display and saw immediate return. We just haven’t had an orchestrated approach to this in the past.”

Streetscape improvements planned for the coming years will give a significant cue to the investment community that the City is here to support them. Washington Street between Clinton and Linn Streets will be the first to see construction during the summer of 2016. The existing businesses will have to plan carefully to weather the improvements during periods of constrained access to their doors.

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Meet Nate Kaeding: Downtown’s new Retail Development Director The Downtown District is pleased to announce that Nate Kaeding will be the Downtown District’s new Retail Development Director. Kaeding joins Nancy Bird, executive director, and Betsy Potter, director of operations, along with the district’s team of dedicated board members.

Kaeding was selected due to his experience in establishing successful restaurants and a retail store, his eye for quality, his passion for Downtown Iowa City, and his savvy for fashion-forward trends. Bird notes that “he is persistent, experienced and a great collaborator, capable of safeguarding confidential information.”

Kaeding will collaborate with Downtown Works staff and will network with recruiters around the country. His focus will be searching for complementary leads to pass on to Downtown District property owners. With these new resources in place, the Downtown District’s goal will be an improved retail environment over the next five to ten years that will be noticeable to the community and also provide a positive financial impact for every downtown property owner.

Born and raised in the Iowa City/Coralville area, Kaeding is best known for his prowess on the football field as a placekicker, but he also lettered in basketball and soccer at Iowa City West High School. He was named the Iowa High School Athlete of the Year in 2000 by the Des Moines Register after winning state championships in all three sports.

He attended the University of Iowa as a student-athlete and graduated with a BA in History and a Secondary Education

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Social Studies teaching certificate from the College of Education. As a collegiate athlete, Kaeding was a Hawkeye football team captain, earned academic and athletic AllAmerican honors, and was recently voted into the University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame.

He was the 65th overall selection in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played nine seasons for the San Diego Chargers, retiring after the 2012 season as the second most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history, having made 86.2 percent of his career attempts. He was twice selected to the Pro Bowl.

Kaeding then moved back to Iowa City and enrolled in the Tippie Executive MBA program, which he is expected to complete in May. While pursuing his degree, he and his business partners launched two businesses (Tailgate, Pullman Bar & Diner) both located within the Downtown District. He is also a founding partner of Short’s Burger & Shine.

Kaeding is actively involved in the community, with regular public speaking engagements and mentoring of young athletes.

He is a board member for Character Counts in Iowa and 100+ Men Who Care Hawkeye Chapter. Nate lives in Iowa City with his wife, Samantha, and their children Jack (6), Wyatt (5), and Tess (2).

Contact: Nate Kaeding, Retail Development Director Iowa City Downtown District Office: 319.354.0863 nate@downtowniowacity.com

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Continues from page 22

Downtown Works advised Ginsberg and other property owners to focus on supporting a larger, untapped, “urban-inclined” market segment and to grow the existing retail apparel, home decor, kitchen supplies, and other quality stores that meet this specific niche market.

We are consistently asked if the Downtown District is going after national retail. The honest answer is that the Downtown District will both support existing retailers and recruit those that have sustainable business plans that fit into and complement our cluster. These retailers could be national, regional, or local.

University of Iowa students continue to be an important economic driver for Downtown, so they are integral to these retail discussions. They support many traditional retail categories like pizza joints, beer, and coffee, and they are a key part of everything that makes Downtown feel lively and invigorated. But while many bars, restaurants and retailers benefit from student traffic, most students tend to do their heavy shopping closer to home where their parents are located.

It’s highly likely that independent local and regional retailers will fit our setting best in the short-term. Past community surveys, however, have suggested that the larger Iowa City community would like a mix of both local and national retailers. In any event, Downtown District staff will carefully vet the financial health of any retailer that wants to join our cluster of businesses so we’re sure to sustain a stable business climate.

The “urban-inclined” market niche, however, is under-served and needs hip, fresh, and new concepts. Many in the Downtown District were surprised to learn that we have a significantly higher percentage of “trend-setters” than other cities in the nation, according to ESRI data that identifies not only demographic information, but couples it with consumer preferences.

McCauley was quite straightforward in stating, “Other downtowns would kill for this existing market segment. It means others will follow.”

Last fall the Downtown saw six new openings — from retail to high-tech — that support the case for attracting the “trend-setter” demographic.

Many experts point out that digital retailing remains on the rise. Amazon.com and other e-commerce sites would have everyone believe they are taking over the marketplace.

However, 90 percent of retail is still purchased in brick and mortar stores, and 95 percent of online purchases are from sites that have a brick and mortar presence (Omnichannel Shopping Preferences study, 2014). Stores continue to be the foundation for shopping. Downtown District retailers, therefore, can easily advance their own growth by adding other purchase options such as online retailing.

The Iowa City Downtown District has jumped on board to support this notion with the ICDD gift card system that generated more than $40,000 in sales in the first full year of the program. As the focus to advance the growth of retail Downtown continues, you can be sure that e-commerce will be part of the equation. n

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A Perfect Downto owntown is at its most beautiful during the spring and summer months.

The trees are green and leafy, children play on the Ped Mall playground and in the Weatherdance fountain, and people linger at outside tables to chat with friends.

We asked several well-known folks from the Iowa City area to describe their perfect day Downtown. It’s clear from their responses that a person could spend a month of Sundays enjoying Downtown and never have exactly the same day twice. n

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Sarah Gardial

Dean, Henry B. Tippie College of Business

Kingsley Botchway II

Iowa City Councilor and Iowa City Community School District Equity and Staffing Director

“Iowa City is the perfect place to spend a day. My most recent excursion with an out-of-town guest included the “Dessert is always first following: leisurely on my perfect day browsing in some of Downtown. I’d start off my favorite stores at Yotopia, casually (Glassando, Raygun, and stroll into Molly’s Catherine’s), ‘quality time’ Cupcakes afterwards, at Prairie Lights (where and end at Aspen Leaf.

I could literally hang out #dessertoverload” for hours and always end up with unplanned purchases), a superb lunch at the Pullman Diner, and a stroll across the Pentacrest. Priceless!”

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Sean O’Harrow,

Director, University of Iowa Museum of Art “I have had many ‘perfect’ days in downtown Iowa City. One recent weekend comes to mind. It was a clear, warm summer’s day, and I decided to ride my bicycle downtown from my office on Highway 1 using the new bike path. I stopped by the Co-op for a bite and a drink, and then continued through the city streets and back again using the new path. That’s my kind of weekend morning: simple and relaxing!”

John Bacon

Principal, City High School

“As a lifelong member of this community, I can tell you that downtown Iowa City is truly one of my favorite places on Earth. My perfect day Downtown would be buying a new pair of running shoes at Running Wild. Then I would have a buffalo chicken burrito at Atlas and go listen to the City High Jazz Ensemble kick off the Summer Concert Series by the fountain in the Ped Mall. In the words of former Hawkeye sports broadcaster, Jim Zabel, ‘I love it, I love it, I love it!’”

wn Day Lynette Marshall

President and CEO, The University of Iowa Foundation “My perfect day in downtown Iowa City would definitely include guests. We would begin with art at the Iowa Artisans Gallery and Chait Galleries, followed by a stop for coffee or tea at The Java House.

Then, we would visit Prairie Lights to browse for books and have lunch at one of the incredible restaurants Downtown or in the Northside Marketplace. There are so many great ones; I can’t choose a favorite.

We would spend the afternoon visiting the Old Capitol Museum. I love the historic perspective as well as the fascinating traveling exhibits.”

Matt Swift

Owner/Partner of several area restaurants including Pullman, Blackstone and Red’s Ale House “I would start the day by rallying the troops – my wife, Cayla, and kids, Gabriella and Ashton – and heading to brunch at Pullman, where Chef Sepehr would work his magic. The children would play in the fountain and on the playground in the Ped Mall, and Cayla would shop at her favorite boutiques.

In a perfect world, it’s Friday and the Friday Night Concert Series is in full swing. My kids love to dance! After the concert, my mom would take the kids home so Cayla and I could enjoy a couple drinks on one of the outdoor patios. That, there, is my perfect day.”

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outside

“I am unboreable in the great outdoors.” P. J. O’Rourke

By Angela Winnike & Lucas Passow

Perfect Patios

utdoor dining is a rite of spring and summer in downtown Iowa City. The seven-month span of “Patio Season” offers diners an energetic, cosmopolitan ambiance and bustling conviviality that can only be enjoyed when the weather is warm. With 34 diverse and unique patios to choose from, Downtown restaurants and bars can fill any al fresco desire, any time of the day.

Sit down with a newspaper in the morning to enjoy coffee and a homemade scone, and watch the sun warm up the cityscape.

Hear the sounds of live music while lingering over drinks and dinner with friends, or grab a glass of chardonnay and enjoy a rooftop movie as the sun goes down. There’s no better way to enjoy the warm months outside. n

Gabe’s beer garden

Joe’s Place

Bread Garden

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FilmScene

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The Haunted Bookshop Used Books - New Toys - AND Coming Soon - Authors’ Reading Room

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NOW AT 219 N GILBERT | Iowa City | A block from our old place, just up the street from the Bluebird Diner and the Riverside Theatre.

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Souvenirs

YOUR

CHANGE At ICAD Group, we focus on creating a vibrant community that’s fun, smart and healthy. Through our world-class workforce and leading business support, industry and commerce thrive. See how we do things differently at www.icadgroup.com.

PERSPECTIVE

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Show your Iowa pride hether you’re a long-time Iowa City local, in town for a few shortbut-glorious years or just passing through, odds are you’re smitten by our remarkable town. Black and gold gear is wonderful and abundant, but there are many other fun ways to display your Iowa affection for the whole world to see. From T-shirts featuring an iconic Iowa City business to state-themed jewelry and beer growlers, if you’re looking to represent your love of Iowa and everything that makes Downtown great, these gifts and unique souvenirs are sure to fit the bill. n

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Iowa City Iconic Businesses

information

Tailgate, $34

AKAR akardesign.com Catherine’s CatherinesIC.com hands jewelers handsjewelers.com Iowa Artisans Gallery iowa-artisans-gallery.com

Iowa City Postcards Raygun, $1

iowa book iowabook.com Iowa Chop House theiowachophouse.com Prairie Lights prairielights.com

Iowa City Mugs RSVP, $10

Raygun raygunsite.com Revival revivaliowacity.com RSVP rsvp-asap.com Tailgate tailgateclothing.com White Rabbit whiterabbitgallery.com Velvet Coat shopvelvetcoat.com

NYTimes best sellers list Dan Gable Book Signed by Author Iowa Book, $23

“My debut upon the world’s stage occurred on February 26, 1845, in the State of Iowa.” Buffalo Bill

State of Iowa Sparq Slate Cheese Board

CYRANO adapted by Jo Roets

Hands Jewelers, $29.95

LOVE LETTERS by A.R. Gurney June 19-July 12 | riversidetheatre.org 213 N Gilbert St | 319-338-7672

Iowa Onesies

White Rabbit, $18

Growlers

Iowa Chop House, $10

Iowa City Pillow

White Rabbit Gallery, $15

wedding gifts!

Iowa City Map T-Shirt AKAR, $27

fabulous jewelry - since 1984 207 E Washington 319.351.8686 open daily www.iowa-artisans-gallery.com

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Prairie Lights, tin of 50 darts for $7.95

Catherine’s, White Rabbit, Revival, Herteen & Stocker from $18 to $55

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State of Iowa Necklaces

Medical Malpractice Surgical Errors Birth Injuries Personal Injury / Wrongful Death Personal Injury FAQ Personal Injury Intake Form Product Liability Motor Vehicle / Auto Accidents Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Criminal Defense

Plaza Center One 125 South Dubuque Street Suite 580 Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Tel: (319) 432-7948 Fax: (319) 887-3687

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Book Darts

OWI-DUI-DWI Drug Crimes and Possession Public Intoxication Felony Defense Juvenile Delinquency Academic Sanctions Assault Car Accidents DUI/OWI Delayed or Missed Diagnosis Drug Crimes Felony Motorcycle Accident Parole and Probation Violations Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Overview Possession Student Crimes, Underage Drinking, Fake IDs Truck Accidents Victims of Violent Crimes Wrongful Death

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art

By Katie Roche

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Thomas Merton

“Birth Witches” by Jennifer Fawcett, Riverside Theatre; photo by Bob Goodfellow

All Summer Long

Art Mission The Art Mission on Linn Street is more than an expert framing shop. Proprietor Kathy Rash is trusted with some incredible works with interesting stories from some our region’s most celebrated artists.

114 S. Linn Street Beadology Beadology carries jewelry findings, tools and beadwork supplies as well as finished jewelry made in house.

Staff offers classes in a respectful, fun atmosphere where jewelry designers – from beginners to professionals – can thrive. 220 E. Washington Street. beadologyiowa.com Blue Moose, Gabe’s, Iowa City Yacht Club, the Mill Each of these downtown venues books exciting live music all year long. bluemooseic.com, icgabes.com, iowacityyachtclub.org, icmill.com

Clinton Street Social Club Known for its tasty menu, speakeasy atmosphere, Monday movies and Thursday jazz.

Be sure to try a Grandpa’s Coffin (it’s a drink!) and their famous mussels and oysters for a real CSSC experience.

18 1/2 S Clinton Street. clintonstreetsocial.com Daydream comics Wall-to-wall comic books, graphic novels and other works are packed into this longstanding downtown shop. Take some to browse and rekindle your love of comics! 21 S. Dubuque Street daydreamcomics.com Englert Theatre This historic venue offers concerts, lectures, theater, dance, film and hybrid events that you can’t quite label. With over 300 events a year, a great new bar upstairs, and a slogan of “It all happens here!”, you are sure to find something to suit or stretch your tastes. 221 E. Washington Street. englert.org FilmScene Take your popcorn and a cold beer right to your seat to enjoy the best in American independent and international filmmaking, as well as a variety of classic films and specialty programming. Occasional screenings up on the roof! 118 E. College Street. icfilmscene.org Prairie Lights The unofficial heart of Iowa City’s UNESCO City of Literature designation, Prairie Lights is a well organized and fascinating book store. The staff are book lovers who will guide you to the perfect read to enjoy while lounging on the Ped Mall on a sunny summer day. 15 S. Dubuque Street. prairielights.com Riverside Theatre Cyrano and Love Letters, June 19-July 12 The 2015 summer season at the Gilbert Street location features two shows on the themes of love and word-play: CYRANO adapted by Jo Roets, and LOVE LETTERS by A. R. Gurney. Don’t miss two post-show poetry events, done in collaboration with the Iowa Youth Writing Project and Iowa Young Writers’ Studio. 213 N. Gilbert Street. riversidetheatre.org

Steven Vail Gallery Walk through this super hip gallery on your way to FilmScene. Contemporary art and retrospectives expertly curated by Steven Vail, who is often on hand and interesting to talk to.

StevenVailFineArts.com Studio 13 This nightclub on an alley is the home of Sasha Belle, who recently competed in Season 7 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Check their calendar to catch Sasha or her sisters do their thing at Studio, or just come to dance the night away. 13 S. Linn Street. sthirteen.com

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WELCOME

RAGBRAI

NEW ROUTE THROUGH IOWA CITY

RIDE PAST HISTORIC GREAT FOOD STOPS

KINNICK STADIUM THROUGH DOWNTOWN IC

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something to do

“My wife’s jealousy is getting ridiculous. The other day she looked at my calendar and wanted to know who May was.” Rodney Dangerfield

owntown offers exciting entertainment all year long, but it really comes alive when the weather warms up.

We asked Downtown’s Instagram followers to share scenes from their favorite spring and summer festivals.

Mark your calendars and join the fun by following @downtowniowacity.

Have a great picture or tweet from an event? Tag us at #downtowniowacity.

May

Friday Night Concert Series Entrefest

June july August

June 5–7 June 5 June 12, 19, 26, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

June 13, 20, 27, times vary with sunset June 13 June 17–20

summerofthearts.org downtowniowacity.com summerofthearts.org summerofthearts.org downtowniowacity.com summerofthearts.org

Iowa City Jazz Fest Friday Night Concert Series Saturday Free Movie Series Sidewalk Sales Sunset Salsa Saturday Ragbrai breakfast stop

July 3-5 July 10, 17, 24, 31, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

July 12, 19, 26, times vary with sunset July 16–19 July 18 July 25

www.summerofthearts.org summerofthearts.org summerofthearts.org downtowniowacity.com downtowniowacity.com downtowniowacity.com

Friday Night Concert Series Saturday Free Movie Series Sunset Salsa Saturday Landlocked Film Festival Iowa Soul Fest Taste of Iowa City

August 7, 14, 21, 28, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

information FilmScene icfilmscene.org The Englert Theatre englert.org Riverside Theatre riversidetheatre.org

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Iowa Arts Fest Iowa City Gallery Walk Friday Night Concert Series Saturday Free Movie Series Sunset Salsa Saturday MusicIC Chamber Music Festival

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May 15, 22, 29, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

May 20–22

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

summerofthearts.org August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, times vary with sunset summerofthearts.org August 8 downtowniowacity.com August 14–16 landlockedfilmfestival.org/ August 28–29 summerofthearts.org August 26 downtowniowacity.com

Saturday, October 3 500+ beers “ From around the world to around the block” 20th Anniversary of the Iowa City Brewfest Introducing the 1st annual “REAL ALE CONTEST”

Tickets available at northsideoktoberfest.com & John’s Grocery

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Iowa’s

er D ea l

otorspor M t s e g ts Lar

3 Escort Lane Iowa City, IA 319-338-1404

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Heirloom Catering & Online Ordering www.heirloomsaladco.com Visit Heirloom Salad Company for your next big catering event. A full catering menu is available online or call one of our locations for more information.

Downtown Location 211 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 (319) 338-1300

Biomedical Campus 169 Newton Road Iowa City, Iowa 52246 (319) 384-1117

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Gifted memories.

Hand-made, hand-stamped, customizable jewelry documenting your life’s journeys — for you and for generations to come.

109 East Washington Street • Downtown Iowa City 319-351-0333 • 800-728-2888 • www.handsjewelers.com facebook.com/Hands JewelersIC • @handsjewelers