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Transcript of Fall/Winter 2015 Downtown Magazine
Fall/winter 2015
Downtown Developments — what’s new in streetscapes anD art : page 18Coffee Culture — Crafting a perfeCt Cup’ : page 8
CheFs at workbehind the scenes with 4 of our finest
Ui alUmni-owneD bUsinesses, holiDay events anD gift gUiDe : page 21
Only in iOwa City — best lOved traditiOns : page 10
OF REAL ESTATE. PERFECTED.
Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa
A-TEAM Marketing
THE ART OF REAL ESTATE
506 E. College St. • Iowa City, IA
ALAN SWANSONADAM PRETORIUSTIM CONROY319.321.3129
ATeamListens.comLicensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa
GET MORE FOR YOUR FEATURED HOMESBOOKLETS
FLOOR PLANS
WEBSITE
STAGING
3-D TOURS
VIDEO TOURS
506 E. College St. • Iowa City, IA
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INTRODUCING BLACK CAVIAR
M Y L A G O S M Y WAY
lagos_ad_BC_7.375x9.625.indd 1 9/3/2015 2:44:04 PM
J E W E L R Y A N D O B J E C T S O F A R T
110 East Washington Street • Iowa City319-351-1700
IN THE HEARTS OF THE OLD CAPITOL CULTURAL DISTRICT
IC DOWNTOWN Magazine is produced by Press-Citizen Media in partnership with the Iowa City Downtown District. © 2015 Iowa City Press-Citizen
GENERAL MANAGER & DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Dale Larson
EDITOR: Amy Sundermann
CONTRIbuTING wRITERS: Matt Butler, Nate Kaeding, Betsy Potter, Amy Sundermann, Joe Tiefenthaler
PhOTOGRAPhERS: Justin Torner, Kacie Eckerman, Zakery Neumann, Towler Photography
DESIGN: Benson & Hepker Design
SALES MANAGER: Adam Kahler
ACCOuNT ExECuTIVES: Karmen Dorshorst, Danielle Law
Cover photo: Four of Iowa City’s notable chefs share their passions and inspirations. From left: Christian Prochaska, Abbie Misfeldt, Sepehr Sadrzadeh, Brady McDonald. Photo by Zak Neumann
CREATIVECORRIDOR.CO
WE CREATE
HERE
downtown Chefs:a laboR of love 14
new publIC aRtpRojeCt 18
onCe a hawkeye, always a hawkeye 21
IC sIps 8IC eats 10IC aRt 24IC shoppIng 28IC gIfts 30IC santa 32 IC somethIng to do 34
Fall/winter 2015
IOwA CITy’S ORIGINAL JAVA hOuSE ON wAShINGTON STREET CELEbRATES ThE ART OF bREwING ThE PERFECT CuP.PHOTO BY ZAK NEuMANN
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1614 Sycamore St. • Iowa City 319-337-3737
16 S. Clinton St. • Iowa City 319-337-4995
www.McDonaldOptical.com
6 n IC downtown magazIne n fall/wInteR 2015
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
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.
Getting Away is Better when Shared
210 S. Dubuque StreetIowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-4058
musicistheword is the Iowa City Public Library’s nine-month musicalcelebration to welcome theUniversity of Iowa School of Music to downtown Iowa City. Join usfor free weekly programs focused on all things musical from September 2015 through May 2016.
icpl.org/mitw
PC-6
0000
4811
5
Lunch Monday - Friday 11-2.
Open for dinner daily at 4pm.
Happiest Hour 4-5pm daily featuring 1/2 price on select wine bottles.
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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.
Cell: 319-541-8695 [email protected]
www.phoebemartin.skogman.comPC-6000048130
P hoebe Martin
1978
2530 Corr idor Way, Suite 302
Ardenia
Henry Sabin ElementaryCity High School
1972
1990
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sIps
downtown Coffee Culture“i like coffee because it gives me the illusion that i might be awake.” lewis blaCk
no secret that coffee culture is
ingrained into daily life in Iowa City.
Coffee helps students (and professors)
weather Finals Week, brings families and
friends together, and makes the morning
commute a little less stressful. As a drink
and a lifestyle, coffee is important to Iowa
Citians.
Downtown boasts 15 establishments
that serve coffee and/or tea, and each
one offers its own unique experience.
We took a closer look at four places to get a downtown coffee
fix. Check them out for a new caffeinated
option, to play a vintage video game,
or to find a great book to read while
enjoying a morning cup o’ joe. n
Java House211 1/2 E. wAShINGTON STREET
RuNDOwN Founded in 1994 by Tara Cronbaugh, Java House coffee has become a “must have” for those passing through town and local residents looking to start their morning off right. Boasting eight locations, the downtown hub and most iconic café is next door to the Englert Theatre. Originally located in Prairie Lights, Java House moved into its current spot in October 1994.
whERE ARE ThEIR bEANS FROM?undisclosed, but roasted exclusively for Java House
DRINK RECOMMENDATION You can’t go wrong with any of the reliable, quick, and oh-so-delicious pour-over options. Roasts range from light (more caffeine, lighter taste) to dark (less caffeine, robust, and full).
(319) 341-0012thejavahouse.comMon-sat 6 a.m. – 12 a.m.sun 7 a.m. – 12 a.m.
by MATT buTLER
Forbidden Planet111 S. DubuquE STREET
RuNDOwNForbidden Planet opened its doors on the Ped Mall in November 2014 in the space formerly occupied by the Tobacco Bowl and became an instant hit. A big part of the attraction is the opportunity to drink a craft beer or fresh coffee while playing arcade games older than the average university of Iowa student. Forbidden Planet also serves up wonderful pizzas. Without a doubt, Forbidden Planet is the best place in town to become a pinball wizard and drink your favorite beverage.
whERE ARE ThEIR bEANS FROM?Bluebird Diner’s coffee roasting operation creates a special blend for Forbidden Planet.
DRINK RECOMMENDATIONIf it’s Sunday morning and you need to take the edge off of a long week, go with one of their Irish coffees. With a hot and cold option, there’s a drink for you no matter the weather.
forbiddenplanetiowacity.comMon-thurs 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.Fri-sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.sun 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
HigH ground CaFé301 E. MARKET STREET
RuNDOwNOne word sums up High Ground Café: Fresh. The lemonade is fresh-squeezed, the smoothies are made from fresh fruit, and the coffee is ground fresh for every order. This attention to detail and a high priority on serving healthy and organic menu items has earned them a Blue Zones restaurant designation. The location has a shaded outdoor patio for warm summer days and an indoor fireplace for frosty winter nights.
whERE ARE ThEIR bEANS FROM?Kickapoo coffee (Organic and Fair Trade)
DRINK RECOMMENDATION A pour-over coffee. Take a second to smell the samples of different beans arranged from light to dark roasts.
(319) 338-5382highgroundcafe.comeveryday 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Prairie ligHts CaFé15 S. DubuquE STREET
RuNDOwNA well-hidden downtown treasure, the Prairie Lights Café is located on the second floor of Prairie Lights bookstore. Behind the bar, well-trained baristas pull espresso shots and provide a vast amount of knowledge on the intricacies of different coffee-based drinks. Pro tip: The café opens an hour before the store, so don’t be scared away before 10 a.m. if the bookstore windows look dark.
whERE ARE ThEIR bEANS FROM?Stumptown Coffee Roasters (Portland, Oregon)
DRINK RECOMMENDATION Perhaps the best-named coffee drink in all of Iowa City, The Black Rider never disappoints. It consists of a dry cappuccino with decadent caramel, topped off with black sea salt flakes. It pairs well with a good book and a rainy day.
(319) 337 - 2681prairielights.comMon-sat 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.sun 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
it’s
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PRAIRIE LIGHTS BOOKS
15 S. Dubuque St.
bookstore opens 10 am daily
café opens 9 am daily
prairielights.com
An iowa city landmark
eats
a sampling of downtown traditionsNEED SOME COMFORT FOOD?The burger: an American comfort food staple. It’s hard to beat a juicy, mouth-watering beef patty with gooey cheese. Bo-James has been serving up its beloved patty baskets for over 30 years, at a price that’s hard to beat. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere in one of their many com-fortable booths, or belly up to the bar with one of their “Big” beers on Thursday’s karaoke night. Maybe grab the mic yourself and sing a tune. Bo-James is always a recipe for a good time.
by bETSy POTTER
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owntown Iowa City is home to one of the most diverse and vibrant culinary scenes in the state. While the influx of new and changing restaurants creates a buzz, many of our time-honored eateries boast traditions that continue to draw crowds year after year.
FOR DECADES, PASSERSBY HAvE BEEN ABLE TO CATCH A GLIMPSE OF THE PIZZA CHEFS IN ACTION THROuGH PAGLIAI’S ICONIC WINDOWS. PHOTO BY TOWLER PHOTOGRAPHY
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Eat Local • Drink Local • Be Local
118 E Washington St
The haunTed Bookshop
219 N Gilbert StIowa City, IA, 52245, USA
319.337.2996
USED BOOKS • NEW TOYS!
www.thehauntedbookshop.com
Jigsaw Puzzles
Coloring Books
PC-6000048144
11 S Dubuque Street Iowa City, IA 52440 (319) 338-6860
Hours:Mon-Fri: 11:00am - 2:00amSat-Sun 8:00am - 2:00 am
Happy Hour Specials 2-6 M-F
$2.50 Pints Margaritas, Bud Light,
Coors Light, & PBR
$3.00 Pints Guinness
& Smithwicks
www.pleasantvalleyic.com
FLOWER SHOPPE &GARDEN CENTER
1301 S. GilbertIowa City, IA
(319) 337-3118
GOLF COURSE4390 Sand Rd SE(Gilbert St. South)Iowa City, IA(319) 337-2622
• Year RoundGreenhouses
• Perennials•Bulbs• Trees & Shrubs•Ground Cover•Gardening Gifts•Holiday Decorating
•18 Public Holes•Driving Range•Banquet Facilities•Golf Equipment•The Area’s Only“Florida Style”Golf Course
•Fresh Flowers•Expert Designers•Balloons•Stuffed Animals•Designs for AllOccasions
GardenCenter
FlowerShoppe
GolfCourse
12 n IC downtown magazIne n fall/wInteR 2015
FEELING A bIT IRISh?In 2005, 30 years after the original Donnelly’s Pub closed, Donnelly’s Irish Pub rejoined the Iowa City scene under new ownership. Today, avid soccer fans flock to Donnelly’s. As the offi-cial pub of the Iowa City American Outlaw Soc-cer Club, Donnelly’s stays true to its Irish roots, offering traditional fare including fish and chips and an impressive stock of Irish Whiskey and Scotch. Hawkeye fans also stop at Donnelly’s on game days for their famous Irish Car Bombs, deviled eggs, tasty reubens and Bloody Marys before heading down to Kinnick.
wANT TO VOICE yOuR POLITICAL OPINION?Hamburg Inn No. 2 (or as the locals refer to it,
“The Burg”) is an experience in itself. While the menu includes dozens of breakfast delights and famous pie shakes, the restaurant plays a promi-nent role in local, state and national elections as a “must stop” on the campaign trail. Step into
moreinformation
DONNELLy’S IRISh Pub110 E. College Street
donnellyspub-ic.com
bO-JAMES
118 E. Washington Street bo-james.com
hAMbuRG INN NO. 2214 N. Linn Street hamburginn.com
PAGLIAI’S PIzzA302 E. Bloomington Street
pagliaisic.com
this small diner in the Northside Marketplace and check out the walls full of photos of pol-iticians who have visited over the years. Each election year, the Hamburg Inn hosts the Coffee Bean Caucus where patrons cast their vote for political candidates by dropping a coffee bean in the candidate’s jar. Make sure to cast your votes in 2016!
STEP bACK IN TIME…When you talk about Iowa City traditions, Pagliai’s Pizza in the Northside Marketplace will always make the list. This is one of those eating experiences that will change the way you think of pizza. Pagliai’s is an old-fashioned pizza par-lor that makes you feel like you stepped back in time. Here traditions are honored and revered, down to the family dough recipe that has been passed down for generations. For more than 50 years, Pagliai’s has earned accolades and loyal fans, due to their fresh ingredients and friendly, quality service. n
eats “best way to get rid of kitchen odors: eat out.” phyllis diller
THE COFFEE BEAN CAuCuS RuN BY HAMBuRG INN NO. 2 OWNER DAvE PANTHER IS SERIOuS BuSINESS FOR POLITICIANS’ CAMPAIGNS.GANNETT FILE PHOTO
fall/wInteR 2015 n IC downtown magazIne n 13
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How is yourclothing made?Recycled Polyester
We began making recycled polyester from plastic soda bottles in 1993—the first
outdoor clothing manufacturer to transform trash into fleece. By reducing the
amount of virgin polyester in many of our products, and replacing it entirely
with recycled polyester in some, we reduce our need for petroleum to make
raw materials and cut landfill and incinerator waste.We use recycled polyester
in durable, multifunctional products like our cozy Synchilla® Snap-T® Hoody.
How is your clothing made?
Learn more about Recycled Polyester at
patagonia.com/recycledpolyester
Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll, Joshua Tree National Park, California. KEN ETZEL
© 2015 Patagonia, Inc.
138 S Clinton Street Downtown Iowa City Since 1986
outdoor apparel and accessoriesIowa City Est. 1986
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DOWNTOWN CHEFS BEHIND THE SCENES:
BASTA ExECuTIvE CHEF BRADY MCDONALD (RIGHT) AND CHEF DE CuISINE BOBBY CASTLE (LEFT)
“restaurants create community and impact people’s lives.
people have their first date at our restaurant, and we care
about that.”Chef Brady MCdonald, Basta
by AMy SuNDERMANNPhOTOS by zAK NEuMANN
DOwNTOwN IOwA CITy is fast becoming a foodie’s paradise with exciting eateries popping up all over. Newcomer chefs are moving here from across the country to join stalwarts of the local dining scene, and together they’re bringing fresh concepts to a community hungry to try something different.
There are so many options downtown, from fine dining, to casual diners, to grab-and-go. But take a peek into the minds and hearts of four of our local chefs and see what unites them all: a passion for creating happiness by feeding people great food.
CREATING COMMuNITy Basta’s executive chef, Brady McDonald ex-plained, “It’s all about the guests and making people happy. Restaurants create community and impact people’s lives. People have their first date at our restaurant and we care about that.”
A high school trip to Italy sparked McDonald’s love for Italian food. After training at Kirkwood’s culi-nary school and working jobs in local restaurants, he returned to Italy for a placement at a Miche-lin-starred restaurant in Florence.
This experience gave McDonald an appreciation for the care and culture that informs authentic Italian cooking. At the end of his placement, he came back to Iowa City and joined the kitchen at Atlas Bar and Grill. When owners Jack Piper and James Adrian decided to open Basta next door, McDonald was all in.
“I loved the idea of doing something new and fresh, and bringing wood-fired Neapolitan pizza to downtown,” he said.
Basta cures a lot of their own meats and buys lo-cal food whenever they can from producers such as The Friendly Farm and Echollective CSA. McDon-ald gets excited when talking about local providers.
“Every mushroom we have right now is from Anything But Green Gardens (in Vinton), and we love Marvin’s Corn (from Iowa City-area farmer Marvin Hotz). It’s great to get produce that’s still hot from the field,” he said.
In the four years Basta has been open, McDon-ald has seen a shift in what Iowa City diners are looking for and a willingness to try new things.
“There has always been a crowd of adventurous people here,” he said, “but the advent of food cul-ture means people have a lot of trust and faith in chefs now. The food scene in Iowa City has expand-ed tremendously.”
A labor oflove
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moreinformationbASTA PIzzERIA RISTORANTE
121 Iowa Avenue (319) 337-2010
bastaiowacity.com
MOLLy’S CuPCAKES14 S. Clinton Street
(319) 333-1297 icmollys.com
PuLLMAN bAR & DINER17 S. Dubuque Street
(319) 338-1808 pullmandiner.com
bREAD GARDEN MARKET225. S. Linn Street
(319) 351-9199 breadgardenmarket.com
TOP-NOTCh quALITy Chef Christian Prochaska’s path toward cooking took him in a westwardly direction. A Washington, Iowa, native, he left for culinary school in Portland, Oregon, at age 18. After an internship in Denver, he returned to Iowa to work for Jim Mondanaro at his restaurants in Iowa City and West Des Moines.
Prochaska left Iowa to cook in Seattle for a while but returned to Iowa City where he owned Taste on Melrose for several years. He remained in touch with Mondanaro and after Taste closed, the two found themselves together again. Prochaska is now executive chef at the Bread Garden Market – a grocery, deli, restau-rant, wine shop and more.
Although Prochaska isn’t cooking on the line these days, his role is to oversee the various departments at the Bread Garden and how products used throughout the store come to-gether in the kitchen.
“First and foremost, Jim is so into quality. The meats we use are top notch. Our beef is all certified Angus, processed in Tama from a 150-mile radius. Every week we bring back truck-loads of produce from Kalona. All of our stocks and dressings are homemade. We wouldn’t dream of buying salad dressing out of a bucket,” he explained.
Local products are a big deal at the Bread Garden, including cheeses from Maytag and Prairie Breeze, pies from Hoard’s Bakery in Riv-
erside, Cheryl’s Salsa from Wellman, and tofu from Old Capitol Food Co. But they also carry high-quality packaged and canned items, plus a good selection of international treats.
“We have macaroni and cheese and chicken tenders available here, because that’s what a lot of people like. A parent can bring his kids in from playing on the Ped Mall and everyone can find something for lunch that they’ll enjoy. But Iowa City culture also includes a lot of interna-tional students. We want our food to appeal to a lot of people,” Prochaska said.
‘bEST/wORST DECISION OF My LIFE’ A self-described “Seattle boy who has lived everywhere,” Sepehr Sadrzadeh has been cook-ing since he was 15 years old. During culinary school, Sadrzadeh took an externship with Chef Ben Smart at The Herbfarm in Washington state. He clearly made a good impression because, two weeks after graduation, Smart called with an invitation to come to Solon to cook with him at Big Grove Brewery.
“I call it the best worst decision of my life,” Sadrzadeh joked. “I had never been to Iowa. I had nowhere to live. But I packed up and came here anyway. I think it’s a great environment. Everyone is so nice.”
After 16 months at Big Grove, Sadrzadeh was given the opportunity to become executive chef
BREAD GARDEN ExECuTIvE CHEF CHRISTIAN PROCHASKA PuLLMAN ExECuTIvE CHEF SEPEHR SADRZADEH
fall/wInteR 2015 n IC downtown magazIne n 17
at Pullman Diner, a new venture in downtown Iowa City. He describes the menu at Pullman as
“approachable food, but with a twist.”
“I love cooking with the seasons and what’s good right now. And what’s more fertile than Iowa for that kind of cooking?” he said.
Pullman also buys local whenever they can, with produce from the farmers markets, dairy from Kalona, prosciutto from Norwalk, and even popcorn from Tiny But Mighty in Shell-sburg. Sadrzadeh combines these local ingre-dients with his love of ethnic flavors to create popular special events.
“I have a sick obsession with ramen, from my experience in the Asian community in Seattle. So we had a ‘Ramen and Magic Night’ at Pullman. Specials are a way to introduce newer things and build trust with the customers,” he said.
bAKING hAPPINESS Abbie Misfelt, executive pastry chef at Molly’s Cupcakes, also trained in Florence. But that’s not all she and McDonald have in common.
“Making people happy is why I do my job,” she said. “I love to create things like custom cakes or (baby) gender-reveal cupcakes because I know how excited people will be when they see them.”
A Palo, Iowa, native, Misfeldt went to culinary school in Chicago and worked in the culinary departments of the Art Institute of Chicago before leaving to study in Florence. Upon returning to the States, she fell in love the pastry side of cooking. Molly’s Cupcakes has stores on Chicago and New York and, when the opportunity came to join a new Molly’s in Iowa City, Misfeldt jumped at the chance.
She takes pride in making everything at Molly’s from scratch, including the 16 different cupcake fillings. Younger guests especially enjoy customizing their cupcakes at the Sprinkling Station. Not one to settle for “good enough,” Misfeldt is constantly in search of interesting new flavor combinations.
“I’m always on Pinterest and Instagram to see what the trends are and searching for fla-vor combinations that people will want. The seasons are also really important influences,” she explained.
Whether they are preparing a multi-course meal, a lovely sweet treat, or a take-away lunch, these four chefs are united by their passion for food, commitment to quality, and love of feed-ing the community. n
MOLLY’S CuPCAKES ExECuTIvE PASTRY CHEF ABBIE MISFELT
lans are progressing for a major renovation of Washington Street in downtown Iowa City next year, including a new and exciting public art dimension that will enhance the way residents and visitors see and interact with our evolving City center.
In recognition of Iowa City’s rich history as an artistic and cultural hub, and in anticipation of the downtown openings of the world-class University of Iowa Museum of Art in 2017 and the Voxman School of Music Building in 2016, the City of Iowa City invited Cecil Balmond to
BALMOND’S ‘LENS’ TO PROvIDE A NEW vIEW OF DOWNTOWN
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AbOuT ThE ARTIST Cecil Balmond -- designer, architect, engineer, and writer – is known for his challenging industrial fabrications that make seemingly impossible forms a reality. His algorithmic approach to design uses mathematical concepts to influence forms
that appreciate both the underlining structure and spontaneity of nature. Famous for his large-scale public art, Balmond’s transformative installations have a profound effect not only on their environments, but on all who experience his creations.
His work is not simply public art, but art for the public.
Iowa City’s partnership with Balmond, a uK native, reflects the ever-increasing cultural diversity of our community, which prizes its collaboration with world leaders in art, music, literature and science, making Iowa City a truly international destination.
design a one-of-a-kind piece for one of its most beloved public spaces. The result is an ingenious marriage of art and science.
Balmond creates some of the world’s most intriguing works of art. His iconic installations and forms reorganize space, producing unique experiences and improving communities.
Balmond’s piece, titled “The Lens,” honors Black Hawk Mini Park’s significance as a communal space in the Pedestrian Mall for formal and informal gathering, performance, and protest. A circular pattern of seating within the park will
fall/wInteR 2015 n IC downtown magazIne n 19
An Iowa City Tradition Since 1948
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create an amphitheater setting complete with a rostrum for public speaking. Uniquely suited to the space, Balmond’s work will strengthen downtown’s cultural identify and reinforce Iowa City’s role as an international leader in the arts.
ThE LENS Designed to be interactive and playful, a tilted 30-foot circular disc hosts a center of twisting louvers which will function like an opening and closing eye. Through this “lens,” the changing light of the day and season will be captured and refracted onto the surrounding people and buildings. During the daylight hours, the sun’s rays will throw shadows of the disc’s form, creating moving circles across the park’s paving stones.
At night, an arc of colored light imbedded in the lens will project onto the metal blades, reflecting outward. The animation of the louvers’ sliding geometry will enhance a sense of theater that is integral to the history and character of the Pedestrian Mall — a space that for many defines the Iowa City experience.
The timeline for installation of The Lens will be depend on several factors, including coordination of the art piece with other Streetscape projects, a successful fundraising campaign, and potential alignment to welcome the new University of Iowa Art Museum in 2017.
The excitement around The Lens and a renovated Washington Street will not come without challenges associated with construction impacts. Anticipating a need for additional marketing and communication for next summer, the Iowa City Downtown District is working on a specific campaign to encourage patrons and community members to shop downtown despite the dust. The campaign, to be rolled out in 2016, will incorporate some guerrilla marketing tactics to capitalize on a unique opportunity for a limited-access view of what lies beneath the street. n
fall/wInteR 2015 n IC downtown magazIne n 21
hen I retired from the NFL in 2013, after nearly a decade with the San Diego Chargers, I knew exactly what I wanted to do next: Return to downtown Iowa City, the home of my alma mater, and start a business.
During my years in professional football, I developed a mental inventory of the restaurant and retail concepts that were catching fire in markets across the country. On the road, I spent hours walking around the shopping and entertainment districts in other cities. Call it research and development, or just a good way to kill some downtime. I was constantly asking myself, “Would this work in Iowa City?”
Living and owning a business in a bustling college town like Iowa City has a lot of perks beyond dollars and cents: enlightening, life-long learning opportunities, close proximity to world-class health care, outstanding schools for our children, the energy and enthusiasm of 32,000+ UI students and, of course, game days at Kinnick Stadium.
With the help of great business partners, in the last two years I’ve been able to successfully launch both a clothing store (Tailgate) and a restaurant (Pullman Bar & Diner). I’m not alone in my decision to return to the home of the Hawks, settle down and build a business. In fact, more than 70 UI alumni proudly display the
“University of Iowa Alumni Owned Business” decal. You can find them throughout the Downtown District, in storefront windows and in the offices of lawyers, real estate developers, and doctors.
For some alumni like Todd Thelen (MFA 1993), owner of Artifacts, the seeds of their business were planted while they were still enrolled at the University. He began selling antiques and found objects to Granny’s Antique
ONCE A HAWKEYE . . . ALWAYS A HAWKEYE!
moreinformationARTIFACTS331 E. Market Street(319) 358-9617artifacts-iowacity.com
ACTIVE ENDEAVORS138 S. Clinton Street(319) 337-9444shopactiveendeavors.com
MICKy’S IRISh Pub11 S. Dubuque Street(319) 338-6860mickysirishpub.com
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF DOwNTOwN’S uI ALuMNI-OwNED buSINESSES, VISIT:downtowniowacity.com/pages/visit/ui-alumni-businesses.php
Mall in the early ‘90s while pursuing an MFA in printmaking. The business blossomed, and in 2003 Thelen opened Artifacts in its current location in the Northside Marketplace.
“In this community you are surrounded by art,” Thelen said.
“Without that appreciation, this business isn’t possible. This is an incredibly educated community of people who appreciate finer things.”
The diversity of people and personalities adds another layer of richness to life as a shop owner in a college town.
“The University always has fascinating people coming into town,” Thelan said. “It’s sad when regulars leave after graduation, but there are always new people coming in. I love it.”
Mark Weaver (BS 1970) noticed a need for outdoor apparel while he was studying education at UI.
“There was a void in the market once Bivouac (a former outdoor apparel store located at the current Panchero’s location) closed. I wanted to bring the mountain culture back to downtown Iowa City,” he said.
Weaver launched Active Endeavors in 1986, and the popular store has been a retail anchor in downtown ever since. It has thrived on the steady and reliable influx of students in need of fashionable back-to-school clothes and wintertime necessities. And the location right across the street from campus is perfect.
by NATE KAEDING
BUSINESS
ALUMNIALUMNI
“Iowa City is such a great place,” Weaver said. “I didn’t ever want to leave it.”
Aaron Jennings (BA 2003) owns of a piece of nostalgia. Jennings bought the iconic Micky’s Irish Pub in 2013 and is passionate about being a steward of so many fond memories.
“We feel like we are part of campus and part of the University experience, which is really cool. It’s amazing how many people come in and tell us they met here back in the ‘80s or had their first date at Micky’s,” Jennings said. “Now they’re back dropping their kids off at school. The hope is their kids will now make this experience their own.”
After graduation, Jennings lived in Idaho Falls and San Francisco and didn’t sense the same sort of connectedness or community he feels in downtown Iowa City. There is mutual support and synergy between the University and downtown that makes doing business in the District so special.
Jennings, who grew up in Iowa City, said he’s noticed that “it’s easier to own a business here, having gone to school here and knowing how many people are supportive in the community. And Hawkeye fans are hugely supportive of locally owned businesses.” n
nate Kaeding is a university of iowa alumnus, downtown business owner and retail development director for the iowa city downtown district.
NEW RELEASEFILMS NIGHTLY
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21 S. Dubuque St. • 319-354-6632daydreamscomics.com
COMICSGET
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Hours of Business:Monday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm • Tuesday: 10 am - 6 pm
Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pmSunday: Noon - 6:00 pm
22 n IC downtown magazIne n fall/wInteR 2015
Iowa CIty Is suCh a great plaCe.
i didn’t ever want to leave it.MARK WEAVER, ACTIVE ENDEAVORS
No asterisks.No fine print.No kidding.
HillsBank.comMember FDIC
Your bank on campus.Three convenient locations around downtown Iowa City. More than 90 ATMs in the corridor.
It’s that simple.
fall/wInteR 2015 n IC downtown magazIne n 23
207 E Washington 319.351.8686 open dailywww.iowa-artisans-gallery.com
unique + affordablegifts of the season!
PC-6000048151
Iowa CIty Is suCh a great plaCe.
i didn’t ever want to leave it.MARK WEAVER, ACTIVE ENDEAVORS
24 n IC downtown magazIne n fall/wInteR 2015
aRt
“it’s long been known that the art house scene in los angeles lags behind that of new york, but must we be outdone by iowa City as well?”
MiChael nOrdine, lOs angeles tiMes, July 17, 2015
by JOE TIEFENThALER
oCtober 23 One of the world’s most inventive filmmakers is coming to Iowa City. The university of Iowa Lecture Committee will present “In Conversation with Terry Gilliam,” a free discussion (7:30 p.m., IMu Ballroom) in conjunction with the Obermann-International Programs Humanities Symposium “Don Quixote in the Age of Electronic Reproduction.” Prior to the lecture, FilmScene will host a reception and gala event honoring Gilliam for his decades of visionary filmmaking. Throughout the month of October, FilmScene will also present a retrospective featuring Gilliam’s acclaimed works on the big screen with
“Cinema Savant: Select Films of Terry Gilliam,” a seven-film series including featured films in a number of FilmScene’s ongoing series, including the Bijou Film Board’s After Hours, The Picture Show presented by MidWestOne Bank, and The Late Shift at the Grindhouse. Details and showtimes TBA soon.
he arts landscape downtown is changing, and a vision for what arts and culture can and should bring to our community is evolving with it. Partnerships between arts venues and organizations and our business community, nonprofits, and educational centers bring envy-inducing programming and outreach that has pricked the egos and sensitivities of the likes of the l.a. times.
Downtown will change tremendously during the next five years. We’ll see fresh takes and updates to our storefronts, alleys, streetscapes, and sculptures. Hancher Auditorium will create a new doorway to the city. Our arts horizons downtown will quite literally expand beyond our current borders, with world class performances at the new School of Music, a new neighbor in the University of Iowa’s Museum of Art, and the possibility of two new, state-of-the art screens and outdoor cinema within the Chauncey Project development. We will see a new physical landscape built on a vision for growth, recruitment, and retention, in a district and city with growing density and rising possibilities in retail, employment, and culture.
These new partnerships and collaborations across the Downtown District and the arts community are bringing iconic performers, filmmakers, authors, and artists into our classrooms, boutiques, restaurants, and stores. We are seeing internationally renowned musicians in our recording studios. Thinkers, painters, entrepreneurs and astronomers all come together on the same stage for one weekend.
Here are but a few upcoming events for your calendars that go beyond a ticket and a seat, that reach out into our community:
oCtober / deCeMber / February / aPril (CHeCk website For details)
A partnership between FilmScene, Bread Garden Market, and Little village, vino vérité brings contemporary filmmakers to Iowa City to interact twofold with our community – a wine-paired screening and reception at night, and then an educational outreach component typically geared towards youth engagement in film and discussions the next day. In wine, in dialogue, and in education, there is truth.
noveMber 6 - 7
Members of EntreFest, Little village Magazine, Mission Creek Festival, FilmScene, and the Englert introduce Witching Hour, a two-day conference/festival dedicated to exploring and engaging the unknown. Featuring musicians, artists, filmmakers, magicians, artists, comedians, astronomers, brain surgeons and more, these discussions and performances will take place in venues across downtown Iowa City.
ART by MIChAEL b. wILSON
fall/wInteR 2015 n IC downtown magazIne n 25
moreinformation
ENGLERTenglert.org
FILMSCENEicfilmscene.org
hANChER AuDITORIuMhancher.uiowa.edu
FOuR SEASONS
aPril 5 – 10
The 2016 Mission Creek Festival returns to present artists and attendees with uncommon programming. Coming off a 10th anniversary festival that featured over 400 musicians, authors, artists, chefs, and performers reaching our community in more than 23 downtown venues and businesses, the 2016 festival also celebrates a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Themed
“Beyond the Text,” the lineup will feature graphic storytellers, comic artists, literary installations, and more, alongside the premier lineup of iconic and emerging headlining acts. Keep your eyes out this fall/winter for this year’s Mission Creek musician-in-residence Ian Svenonious (Chain and The Gang), who will be working and recording in Iowa City’s own state-of-the-art recording studio, Flat Black Studios.
And that’s just a start. Look for nightly readings at Prairie Lights, or the monthly, ICDD-led First Round’s On Us bringing together culture and business leaders. Check out the programs and gallery exhibits at Public Space One, the world class programming nightly screened at FilmScene, or the nine-month Music is the Word program at the Iowa City Public Library welcoming the School of Music to downtown.
There’s that thing again. A growing downtown. And growing possibilities. Engage now, because these next five years are really going to be something. n
note: Joe tiefenthaler is executive director of filmscene.
noveMber 18
Before her performance, Englert Theater guest and performance poetry icon Andrea Gibson will lead a workshop called
“Spoken Word in Action” for 15 high school poets who come from Iowa Youth Writing Project-affiliated schools and community centers. After the workshop, Andrea will sit down with a small group of IYWP volunteers and instructors to discuss the integration of social justice and creative writing.
deCeMber 5
Hancher Auditorium has partnered with performance arts centers across the country to commission
“A 24-Decade History of Popular Music” from performer, playwright, and singer-songwriter Taylor Mac. Just down the hill, in Mabie Theater, the Iowa City gig focuses on The 1850s: Whitman & Stephen Foster. A Hancher Artist in Residence, Mac will also work with a number of uI classes and LGBTQ groups during his time in Iowa City.
deCeMber 12
The Englert Theater, Mission Creek Festival, and FilmScene have collaborated to bring art-house film luminary and performance artist Isabella Rossellini to Iowa City for a performance of her smash-hit web series Green Porno. But if that’s not enough, inquire at the Englert box office about tickets that will include a pre-show reception in the Plaza Towers penthouse with complimentary food and beverages catered by Clinton Street Social Club, premium seating at the show, and an intimate post-show Q&A with Rossellini on stage at the Englert. unbelievable access to a legend.
February 26 – 28
Perhaps the most important festival each calendar year, uNESCO City of Literature’s One Book Two Book celebrates young writers in our community, and from across the state of Iowa. Last year alone, One Book Two Book honored more than 120 young authors.
IOwA CITy PubLIC LIbRARyicpl.org
LITTLE VILLAGElittlevillagemag.com
MISSION CREEK FESTIVALmissionfreak.com
PubLIC SPACE ONEpublicspaceone.com
RIVERSIDE ThEATERriversidetheatre.org
uI MuSEuM OF ART uima.uiowa.edu
uI SChOOL OF MuSIC music.uiowa.edu
uNESCO CITy OF LITERATuRE cityofliteratureusa.org
wITChING hOuR witchinghourfestival.com
downtowniowacity.com
DRESSES162 Active Endeavors9 Catherine’s122 Catherine’s Outlet19 Domby41 DulcineaOC Four Seasons135 OM127 Ragstock181 Revival125 SicilyOC Silver Spider223 Tailgate123 Textiles156 Velvet Coat146 White Rabbit
JACKETS/COATS162 Active Endeavors31 Austin Burke9 Catherine’s122 Catherine’s Outlet19 Domby41 Dulcinea30 EwersOC Four Seasons1 Iowa Book127 Ragstock181 Revival116 Running Wild125 Sicily223 Tailgate123 Textiles156 Velvet Coat
INTIMATES/SOCKS162 Active Endeavors46 AKAR31 Austin Burke122 Catherine’s Outlet19 Domby41 Dulcinea30 EwersOC Four Seasons127 Ragstock175 RAYGUN181 Revival182 Revival 119116 Running Wild123 Textiles146 White Rabbit
ACCESSORIES162 Active EndeavorsOC Advanced Eyecare46 AKAR106 Artifacts31 Austin Burke9 Catherine’s122 Catherine’s outlet52 Chait Galleries115 Discerning Eye19 Domby41 Dulcinea30 EwersOC Four Seasons81 Home Ec126 Iowa Artisans Gallery1 Iowa Book37 McDonald Optical135 OM127 Ragstock175 RAYGUN
181 Revival182 Revival 119108 rsvp116 Running WildOC Silver Spider223 Tailgate123 Textiles66 The Full Kit58 University Camera156 Velvet Coat146 White Rabbit
hOME46 AKAR106 Artifacts190 Bread Garden52 Chait GalleriesOC CVS41 Dulcinea111 Hands Jewelers126 Iowa Artisans Gallery135 OM175 RAYGUN182 Revival 119108 rsvp123 Textiles145 The Art Mission211 The Futon Shop146 White Rabbit
bOOKS46 AKAR51 BeadologyOC Beat the Bookstore15 Daydreams Comics82 Haunted Bookshop81 Home Ec1 Iowa Book
135 OM12 Prairie LightsOC Silver Spider58 University Camera
JEwELRy46 AKAR51 Beadology9 Catherine’s52 Chait Galleries41 DulcineaOC Glassando111 Hands Jewelers121 Herteen and Stocker
Jewelers126 Iowa Artisans Gallery28 M.C. Ginsberg181 Revival156 Velvet Coat146 White Rabbit
TOyS46 AKAR15 Daydreams Comics82 Haunted Bookshop81 Home Ec126 Iowa Artisans Gallery1 Iowa Book175 RAYGUN182 Revival 119OC Silver Spider146 White Rabbit
CONSIGNMENT CLOThING106 Artifacts224 DECORUM127 Ragstock181 Revival
wOMEN’S9 Catherine’s122 Catherine’s Outlet19 Domby41 DulcineaOC Four Seasons135 OM127 Ragstock181 Revival182 Revival 119125 Sicily123 Textiles156 Velvet Coat146 White Rabbit
MEN’S162 Active Endeavors31 Austin Burke30 Ewers127 Ragstock175 RAYGUN116 Running Wild223 Tailgate66 The Full Kit
ACTIVEwEAR162 Active Endeavors206 Hot House Yoga1 Iowa Book182 Revival 119116 Running Wild117 The Den
Downtown iowa City: bIg-CIty bRands; small-town stoRe owneRs you
went to sChool wIth
26 n IC downtown magazIne n fall/wInteR 2015
bloomington street
jefferson street
iowa avenue
washington street
college street
clint
on st
reet
dubu
que s
tree
t
linn s
tree
t
gilbe
rt st
reet
sout
h cap
itol s
tree
t
madis
on st
reet
university of iowa pentacrestHubbard park
pedestrian mall
+
iowa avenue
linn s
tree
t
old capitol town center
burlington street
Gibson square
1ST HOUR FREE!capitol parkinG ramp
dubuque street parkinG ramp
1ST HOUR FREE!
clint
on st
reet
dubu
que s
tree
t
tower place parkinG ramp
1ST HOUR FREE!
burlington street
to mercyHospital
free wifi on tHe ped mall
secret passaGewayto tHe nortHside
market street
ui recreation and wellness center
map is not to scale #downtowniowacity
for tHe most current list of dininG and entertainment options, visit downtowniowacity.com
newton road
river
side d
rive
va Hospital
+
hawk
ins dr
ive
exit 244
ui main library
iowa memorial union
iowa city public library
ui museum of natural History
old capitol museum
sHeraton Hotel Hotelvetro
+
university of iowa Hospitals and clinics
ui cHildren’s Hospital
kinnick stadium
carver Hawkeye
arena
iowa river
380
80
to tHe cedar rapids airport [cid]
exit 242exit 244
dubuque street
downtown iowa city
1st avenuesports
ui/va hospitals
exit 242
walkinG bridGe
walkinG bridGe
#downtowniowaCityFOR ThE MOST CuRRENT LIST OF ShOPPING OPTIONS, VISIT downtowniowaCity.CoM
162
Location numbers correspond to numbers on the Downtown Iowa City kiosk maps.
Stores listed in black are in downtown Iowa City
Stores listed in blue are in the Northside Marketplace
Stores listed in gold are in the Old Capitol Town Center, 201 South Clinton StreetbEAuTy
140 Buzz Salon77 HABA Salon135 OM182 Revival 11959 Zen Salon & Spa
GROCERIES190 Bread GardenOC CVS93 John’s Grocery
hAwKEyE/IOwA APPAREL 1 Iowa Book223 Tailgate117 The Den188 Underground
PrintingOC Universitees22 Zephyr Printing &
Design
GIFTS/OThER106 Artifacts51 BeadologyOC Blick Art Materials224 DECORUM1 Iowa Book81 Home Ec144 Record Collector181 Revival108 rsvpOC Sweets & Treats223 Tailgate 51 The Paper Nest58 University Camera
46
515253
31
9
121122
125123
41
135
127
181 182
30223
156
146145
1
19
117116
66
81
175
106224
115 126
37
108
58
190
111
93 (across Gilbert Street)
82
12
206
15
28
140
77
59
188
22
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28 n IC downtown magazIne n fall/wInteR 2015
shoppIng
More than a store“whoever said money can’t buy happiness
simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” bO derek
by AMy SuNDERMANN
CustomeR expeRIenCe above and beyondthis age of online everything, it might be surprising to learn that 90 percent of retail sales still take place within a physical, “bricks and mortar” store.
According to a 2014 study by global management consultancy AT Kearney, “Stores provide consumers with a sensory experience that allows them to touch and feel products, immerse in brand experiences, and engage with sales associates who provide tips and reaffirm shopper enthusiasm for their new purchases. “
Nowhere are exciting consumer experiences more alive and well than in downtown Iowa City, where a diverse array of one-of-a-kind stores offer several ways for customers to explore the merchandise and interact with friendly shopkeepers. In fact, many of these experiences go far beyond what is on the shelves or in the display cases.
DELIVERING IN STyLE Catherine Champion has long gone above and beyond the call of duty for customers of her namesake store, Catherine’s Boutique.
“The business of small business is over-the-top customer service,” she explained. “In the past week, we’ve taken graduation gifts to our customers’ children, delivered an earring someone left in the store and driven to Cedar Rapids to bring a purchase to a customer.”
Catherine’s has customers throughout the Corridor area, but they also have clients who live out of state and aren’t able to make it to the store as often as they would like. In that case, Catherine sends the store to them.
“We’ll choose items we think they will like and send boxes of clothes to people on approval,” she said. “We have clients around the country who wear our clothes to places like the U.S. Senate floor and the Tony Awards.”
Catherine’s has even been known to loan an item to a client for a one-time event. But perhaps one of their most appreciated gestures is sending personalized notes to men in advance of the holidays, suggesting specially selected gifts for their wives.
GOLD STANDARD SERVICE Charlie Nusser is the fifth generation of his family to serve customers at Hands Jewelers. He says from an early age his dad, Bill, taught him about how to treat others.
“My dad has always said that a customer should never be victimized by a company’s policy,” Nusser explained. “Every Hands employee is empowered to do what’s right. You’ll never get in trouble here for doing something in the customer’s best interest.”
One of the guiding principles at Hands is to treat everyone who comes in the store with the same high standard of service. Each person is greeted, offered a complimentary bottle of water, and invited to have a piece of their jewelry cleaned, whether it was purchased at Hands or not. The jeweler is known for wrapping packages with beautiful handmade bows, and every customer is offered this service, whether the purchase is a $10 keychain or a necklace worth tens of thousands of dollars.
“We believe in nurturing relationships with our customers. That might mean
moreinformation
CAThERINE’S bOuTIquE7 S. Dubuque Street
(319) 338-2210catherinesic.com
hANDS JEwELERS109 E. Washington Street
(319) 351-0333handsjewelers.com
R.S.V.P.140 N. Linn Street
(319) 337-4400rsvp-asap.com
hOME EC wORKShOP207 N. Linn Street
(319) 337-4775homeecworkshop.com
fall/wInteR 2015 n IC downtown magazIne n 29
picking up a watch from someone that needs a new battery or band and delivering it back to them, or it might mean going to people’s homes to do appraisal work for an estate,” Nusser said.
Hands also regularly donates items to support area charities and non-profits, including the Iowa Children’s Museum, the local American Heart Association gala, Riverside Theatre and others.
CONNECTION AND COMMuNITy One might be forgiven for thinking r.s.v.p. is a just a place to buy whimsical cards or beautiful wrapping paper. It is that, of course, but it’s so much more. For owner Niki Neems, it’s about connection and community.
“My dad was a retail pharmacist in a small town, and I grew up knowing I was from someplace because of it. I knew my neighbors and the goings-on of my community. I wanted to create a similar world for my own child, which is why I opened the store 16 years ago,” she explained. “Since then, our focus has been to offer a well-curated selection of stationery, greeting cards and gifts, but also to act as a community touch point. A place people can stop in to slow down, browse, and connect with someone else. Many of our customers have been shopping with us since the start, which is an honor of sorts.”
r.s.v.p. supports all kinds of community arts-related events including literary readings, tiny musical concerts, record release parties, and a preview of a play written by Iowa City’s Maggie Conroy. The store has participated in the Downtown Gallery Walk since it opened, and r.s.v.p. regularly offers gallery space to visual artists.
A poet herself, Neems makes a concerted effort to spread art and poetry throughout the community.
“We’ve made a call for numerous mail art projects and (we) celebrate poetry month each April with a sponsored poetry event. The last few have involved us hand copying 100 poems and mailing them out to customers in hopes they’ll read and pass them on. I saw one of these tucked among the cantaloupes at the New Pioneer Co-op!” she exclaimed.
Neems gives back to the community whenever she can and makes almost weekly donations to organizations like school carnivals, UI student groups, The Englert, Riverside Theatre, Combined Efforts Drama, and more.
BILL NuSSER CREATES ONE OF HANDS JEWELER’S FAMOuS BOWS.PHOTO BY KACIE ECKERMANN
CATHERINE’S REGuLARLY SENDS CLOTHING ON APPROvAL TO CuSTOMERS WHO LIvE OuTSIDE THE IOWA CITY AREA.PHOTO BY ZAK NEuMANN
30 n IC downtown magazIne n fall/wInteR 2015
gIfts
holiday gift guideA GAThERING PLACE Home Ec Workshop owner Codi Josephson modeled her store after the home economics classes that used to be taught in schools.
“There was a social aspect about coming together to hang out and learn different skills. We want to create a community where people can come sit, have something to eat or drink, and learn how to use the items we sell,” she said.
Home Ec Workshop offers a wide variety of classes for adults as well as children in knitting, sewing, quilting, fabric dying and more. A café sells bakery items and beverages to enjoy while working. Kids can have birthday parties at Home Ec where the “goody bag” is an actual bag they make themselves. A “knitting doctor” is on hand periodically to assist people who have gotten stuck on a yarn project.
The shop has been a key partner with the Downtown District on the annual Tree Huggers project, which wraps downtown trees in colorful knitted sweaters during the dreary winter months. Josephson and her colleagues organize bags of yarn for the volunteer knitters and serve as a pick-up and drop-off point for the tree sweaters. At the end of the Tree Huggers season, the pieces are removed, cleaned and turned into blankets for people in need.
“In the eight years we’ve been here, many of our customers have become our friends. We’ve watched people’s children grow up. We really are part of the fabric of the neighborhood,” Josephson smiled.
KEEP IT LOCAL These retailers are among the dozens downtown that offer extra-special service and experiences to their customers. By shopping local, money stays local and gets reinvested over and over again.
As r.s.v.p.’s Neems explained, “Supporting local businesses keeps money in your own community. A brick and mortar business is most likely an active supporter of local organizations and events. I can’t stress enough how much of a difference it makes to small businesses when folks choose to keep it local during the holiday season!” n
HOME EC WORKSHOP HAS BECOME A GATHERING PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO WORK ON PROJECTS, LEARN SOMETHING NEW AND SOCIALIZE. PHOTO BY KACIE ECKERMANN
TO: The T
ruly Unique
FROM: You!
They’re one o
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can be fo
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downtown retaile
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moreinformationACTIVE ENDEAVORS shopactiveendeavors.com
AKAR akardesign.com
bREAD GARDEN MARKET breadgardenmarket.com
CAThERINE’S catherinesic.com
DuLCINEA (319) 339-9468
EwERS ewersmensstore.com
GLASSANDO glassando.com
hANDS JEwELERS handsjewelers.com
hERTEEN & STOCKER JEwELERS herteenandstockerjewelers.com
IOwA ARTISANS GALLERy iowa-artisans-gallery.com
M.C. GINSbERG – ObJECTS OF ART mcginsberg.com
PRAIRIE LIGhTS bOOKS prairielights.com
REVIVAL 119 revivaliowacity.com/collections/revival-119
R.S.V.P. rsvp-asap.com
SAGE + SKy (319) 339-9468
TAILGATE tailgateclothing.com
TExTILES (319) 339-0410
ThE ART MISSION (319) 466-1006
whITE RAbbIT GALLERy whiterabbitgallery.com
1. Corkcicle whiskey wedge - Hands Jewelers, $14.95
2. Iowa City Mugs Designed for r.s.v.p. by Rock Scissor Paper - r.s.v.p., $17.50
3. Polar bear Cardigan– RAYGuN, $354. ugg Slippers - Catherine’s, $95+5. Tanzanite Necklace - M.C. Ginsberg,
$17,500 6. Tegu building Set – AKAR, $357. Patagonia better Sweater - Active
Endeavors, $998. “what Pet Should I Get?” by Dr. Seuss -
Prairie Lights Books, $17.999. Juniper Ridge Trail Resin Solid Cologne –
Revival, 119 $3510. National Parks Posters Frame - The Art
Mission, $20011. Daniel wellington watch - Herteen &
Stocker, $18912. P.F. Candles - White Rabbit Gallery,
$12/$1813. Aveda Gift of Peaceful Moments – Zen
Salon & Spa, $4114. Swell bottle – Tailgate, $35/$4515. urban Oxide by hObO Purses – Textiles,
$45+16. Kit Kat Clock - Sage + Sky, $5517. blown Glass Ornaments – Glassando, $2518. Mistaken Lyrics Coasters - Iowa Artisans
Gallery, $3019. whitties Knitties – Dulcinea, $30
“the quickest way to know a woman is to go shopping with her.” MarCelene COx
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santa
#tistheseasondowntownome experience downtown Iowa City this winter season and expe-rience that nostalgic, warm feeling of what the holidays should be! Downtown Iowa City knows how to celebrate the festivities. What-ever level of merriment you seek, we’ve got you covered!
santa saturdays! nov. 27, 28, deC. 5, 12, 19 – 11:30 a.M. - 3 P.M. Santa will leave his busy workshop for five special trips downtown to meet the area’s good girls and boys. Families can enjoy peppermint treats and FREE photos with the jolly ol’ fella at FilmScene, as Santa sits down with children to hear their holiday wish lists. Come a little early, because at 10 a.m. MidWestOne Bank presents The Picture Show series featuring family films at a discounted price.
downtown Horse drawn Carriage ridesnov. 27, 28, deC. 5, 12, 19 – 11:30 a.M. - 2:30 P.M.There is no better way to take in the sights and sounds of the holiday season than a horse-drawn carriage around downtown Iowa City. Enjoy a whimsical ride while singing carols to the tune of antique sleigh bells, nestled in the enclosed comfort provided by Country Gentleman’s Horse & Carriage Service. Launched in 2014 by the Iowa City Downtown District in partnership with Hills Bank and Trust Company, the carriage rides are FREE, but the line starts forming early!
downtown Hunt For tHe elvesnov. 27-deC. 2450 of Santa’s Elves are hiding all over downtown waiting to be found! The hunt begins on Nov. 27, and participants will have until Dec. 24 to track down at least half of their locations within the downtown businesses. Those who find at least 25 of those mischievous elves will receive a prize (downtowniowacity.com).
downtown Holiday Market deC. 12, 10 a.M. - 8 P.M. Just in time for the holidays! On Saturday, Dec. 12, in Black Hawk Mini Park, part of the Ped Mall will transform into the Downtown Winter Market. Come experience the magic and excitement of the best holiday gifts downtown has to offer under one warm, festively decorated tent. In addition to the dozens of special gift offerings, the market will serve up hot toddies and hot cocoa at a bar throughout the day and into the night.
by bETSy POTTER
“i stopped believing in santa Claus when i was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.” shirley teMple
downtowniowacity.com
fall/wInteR 2015 n IC downtown magazIne n 33
WOMEN’S CLOTHING AND SHOE BOUTIQUE
East V i l lage Des Moines500 E Locust S t515-244-6308
Downtown Iowa C i ty118 E Co l lege St319-887-7151
Follow us on Facebook to view new arrivals
MISSION CREEK FESTIVAL April 5-10 missionfreak.com
34 n IC downtown magazIne n fall/wInteR 2015
somethIng to do
nOv
deC
feb
downtown iowa City continues to offer a jam-packed schedule of events throughout the colder months. Mark your calendars and join the fun by following @downtowniowacity.com on Instagram.
MarCh
wITChING hOuR FESTIVAL November 6-7 witchinghourfestival.com JOhNSON COuNTy ICLub PEP RALLy November 13 jointheiclub.comSANTA SATuRDAyS November 27-28 downtowniowacity.comDOwNTOwN hOLIDAy TROLLEy November 27-28 downtowniowacity.comDOwNTOwN huNT FOR ThE ELVES Begins November 27 downtowniowacity.comSMALL buSINESS SATuRDAy November 28 downtowniowacity.com
ThE LIbRARy FRIENDS FOuNDATION’S ANNuAL ARTS & CRAFTS bAzAAR December 5 icpl.orgRETAIL OPEN hOuSE December 5 downtowniowacity.com DOwNTOwN hOLIDAy TROLLEy December 5, 12, 19 downtowniowacity.comSANTA SATuRDAyS December 5, 12, 19 downtowniowacity.comDOwNTOwN huNT FOR ThE ELVES Ends December 24 downtowniowacity.comDOwNTOwN hOLIDAy MARKET December 12 downtowniowacity.com
“i’ve been on a calendar, but i’ve never been on time.” Marilyn MOnrOe
ONE bOOK TwO bOOK FESTIVAL February 26-28 onebooktwobook.org
IOwA CITy GALLERy wALK March 4 downtowniowacity.com
april
SKIING ON THE PENTACREST
fall/wInteR 2015 n IC downtown magazIne n 35
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PC-6000048132.INDDADVERTISER: CATHERINES PROOF CREATEDAT: 9/18/2015 2:28 PMSALES PERSON: Karmen Dorshorst PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 10/14/15PUBLICATION: PC-GLOSSY SIZE: 4 col X 10 in
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