Cedar Rapids rebuilding advances!
Last night Cedar Rapids City Council approved a master plan for flood-damaged city buildings and facilities, which was created over three months by a team of consultants. This includes a vote to immediately begin renovation of the Paramount Theatre and renovation or replacement of the Public Library.
The Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau was actively involved in advocating for rebuilding of the historic Paramount, as it is home to the Cedar Rapids Symphony-Orchestra Iowa, a significant area attraction and a central piece of Cedar Rapids history.
The plan, which includes the flood-damaged Police Station, Central Fire Station and Ground Transportation Center, also launches a public participation process to see if it makes sense to build two new public buildings and convert another into a more specialized use.
The consultant's report broke its recommendations into three groups: major projects that can begin now with design work; major projects that will have to wait for the public-input process for final direction; and smaller, quicker projects that can start immediately.
The report calls for completing renovations in 2009 of three downtown parkades, Ellis Pool, Jones Golf Course, Cheyenne, Mohawk and Seminole Valley, Riverside and Czech Village parks, the Tait Cummins Sports Complex and Indian Creek Nature Center.
Projects expected to be started this year and completed in 2010 are the U.S. Cellular Center, the old fire station at the Science Station, the Ellis Harbor infrastructure, Ellis Park buildings, the Time Check Recreation Center and riverfront maintenance buildings.
