First Avenue Uptown College District

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Join us for our 2008 Holiday Party!
For more information, please contact Kristy Upah.

A new business alliance — the First Avenue Uptown College District — has been formed in Cedar Rapids. The non-profit organization consists of businesses and institutions with an interest in the First Avenue corridor between 10th Street NE and 20th Street NE.

The group started meeting informally in February 2007 as part of the Mound View Neighborhood revitalization project undertaken by JLG Architects. Since the first meeting, a steering committee has been formed to lead the group, and large group meetings have been held monthly. 

Early priorities for the group have included formalizing an organizational structure and developing a logo and Web site. Going forward, the organization will focus on enhancing safety and security in the district, commissioning a market analysis, and promoting an enhanced retail environment. Early on, the group has taken a position against widening First Avenue to six lanes of traffic. The Mound View and Wellington Heights areas are adjacent to the new First Avenue Uptown College District.

Steering committee members and the businesses/organizations they represent include: Scott Crosby, EnCompass (President); Richard Marsceau, Brewed Awakenings (Vice President); Brent Heinz, Hy-Vee (Treasurer), and Kristy Upah, Coe College (Secretary).