The Community Design Charrette Process for the Third Street SE Streetscape Project was created as a way to enlist the help and support of the neighborhood and the community at large in the programming, planning, and design of the streetscape.  Invitations announcing the four charrette meetings were sent out to residents, property owners, business owners, and other interested community members and posters were displayed in several areas.

Thirty-five people attended the Community Design Charrettes and the final Open House where the initial results of the Community Design Process where displayed.  Beginning with a series of informational presentations about the history of Third Street, and presentations about other ongoing and future development opportunities in the Third Street/New Bohemia District, charrette participants learned about the possibilities and limitations of this particular project. 

The Design Team then lead the group in several sessions focused on determining the use, atmosphere, and elements of the streetscape project area.  Mapping exercises, lists of activities, and visual images of other historic street redevelopment projects and public spaces generated discussion about the future of the neighborhood as well as the design of the new streetscape.

At each meeting, participants generated a list of Streetscape Project Goals and Priorities that were used to make decisions at the charrettes and guide the designers as they worked on the streetscape plan.  The goals ranged from pedestrian friendly and safe streets, to night-sky friendly lighting and sustainable design principles, to creating an area that celebrates the arts and entrepreneurship, and encourages diversity. At the last charrette, the Design Team presented street lighting options, including the architectural lighting and events lighting systems, and a series of Atmospheric Vignettes that were used to ‘test the waters’ for design of the streetscape elements.  Participants were encouraged to voice opinions and discuss options with other community members in order to create consensus on both the plan and the look and function of the streetscape.

NewBo Park will be an outdoor neighborhood recreational area designed to enhance the quality of life in the New Bohemia neighborhood.  Built on top of the closed-circuit geothermal well field that provides temperature control for the Bottleworks Condominiums, NewBo Park will be landscaped and constructed to recreational and picnic facilities, and an outdoor stage for public concerts.

Installed during the summer of 2005, the New Bohemia Solar Project is the largest multi-configuration solar array in the state of Iowa, capable of generating 7,200 watts of electricity.  The installation includes three types of solar panel array rack-mounting systems: fixed, single axis, and dual axis tracking. The project includes a street level educational kiosk with separate data capture displays for comparing real-time energy production, total energy production and avoided emissions per each mounting system.

The New Bohemia Solar Project received the 2005 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award - Special Recognition in Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy, “for leadership and innovation important for furthering environmental sustainability in Iowa.” 

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NewBo Park Tree Planting - May 8, 2006

Planting Summary

This planting greatly enhanced NewBo Park, one of Cedar Rapids’ 15 in 5 projects.  NewBo Park, which was owned by MAHP at that time, is being developed as a community park and arts venue.  Trees Forever and Alliant Energy collaborated with MAHP and the New Bohemia Group NewBo Park Design Committee on the planting. The event included guest speakers, tree planting demonstrations, tree watering done largely by the children from Osada and the neighborhood, tree naming by the children, and refreshments.  Participants received We Dig Your District t-shirts.  The trees will be maintained by MAHP, Osada residents, and the NewBo Park committee. 

Planting Details

14 trees were planted including serviceberry, hackberry, crabapple, honey locust, and swamp white oak.

o   The trees provide shade to neighboring buildings, sidewalks and park space, reducing summer temperatures (and utility costs) in the neighborhood and making the park more inviting to residents and neighbors.

o   The trees will help to retain storm water on the property, thereby reducing run-off to the streets and storm sewers. 

o   The trees will provide some air purification benefits.

o   The beauty of the trees will also enhance the appearance of the neighborhood and should enhance property values.  An attractive park should encourage children and families to spend time outdoors, which may encourage active play, develop social networks and reduce crime. 

Approximately 50 volunteers, including about 25 children, helped to plant and water the trees.