A Reimagined Hearst Center for the Arts

Master Plan to be Released in 2023

Beginning as James & Meryl Hearst’s vision, the Hearst Center for the Arts was established in 1989, when their College Hill home and surrounding property were gifted to the City of Cedar Falls to be used as a community art center.

The original Prairie Style bungalow was expanded and renovated into a 12,000 square foot facility offering world-class exhibitions, diverse art classes, public programs, concerts, lectures, and outreach activities

Cedar Falls Economic Development Corporation Updates

Through collaboration with many city stakeholders, the Cedar Falls Economic Development Corporation (CFEDC) has been working for the betterment of economic development in our city. We work with local, state, federal officials, area developers and businesses on improving our partnerships in Cedar Falls. Here are areas we have been working:

• Housing Needs Assessment (HNA): The CFEDC recently presented a HNA study to the City Council, with Council members approving a resolution of support for the HNA. This resolution is a requirement when applying for state and federal dollars towards any housing incentives within Cedar Falls. It also provides evidence of city support to potential developers, while highlighting housing needs of the community. Read more about the HNA in the article on page 5.

• College Hill Zoning: The CFEDC supports College Hill zoning ordinance changes to streamline development processes and support continued review and modernization of the zoning ordinance citywide. Policy changes are key tool in economic development. College Hill zoning changes would follow the adopted vision plan that was developed by the city through a community engagement process with stakeholders. The vision plan can be read at www.cedarfalls.com/1615/Imagine-College-Hill use. The front façade was repurposed, and the rear two-story porch was demolished to make ready for the addition of classrooms, gallery, and recital hall. Original features of the home are still present in the current Hearst Center. All photos courtesy of Hearst Center archives.

A vibrant and inclusive center for over 30 years, the Hearst has outgrown its current facility and now requires critical infrastructure improvements. To this end, an expansion of the Hearst Center has been identified as a future need in the City’s Capital Improvement Program for several years. In summer of 2022, the Art and Culture Board recommended, and City Council unanimously approved, the initiation of a Master Plan for a Hearst Center project.

The professional Master Plan, prepared by a qualified architectural firm, includes developing a new facility layout to right size the Hearst for the next 30 years, concept renderings of the new interior and exterior of the building, and total costs for the design and construction of the project. In the fall of 2022, the City of Cedar Falls released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for architecture firms to submit a proposal for the Hearst Center Master Plan. Candidates were evaluated on their submission of previous similar projects, and their creative and detailed approach to Hearst’s unique needs and challenges. After interviewing the top three candidates, OPN Architects was selected as the firm to develop the Hearst Master Plan. They are currently working with City staff and stakeholders on research and development of layouts on the current site. A final Master Plan is expected by the end of 2023, to be utilized in the next steps of fundraising and future construction.

How can you stay on top of what is happening? A public information meeting will be hosted to gather feedback on the Master Plan before it is presented to the City Council. We encourage you to follow the Hearst on social media and sign up for their monthly newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments.

Facebook @hearstcenter | Instagram @the.hearst Hearst Monthly Newsletter, Email: the.hearst@cedarfalls.com to be added to the list.

• City Development/Vision/Goals: A main driver for the work of the CFEDC, in collaboration with city/community stakeholders, is to cast an economic development and community improvement vision for Cedar Falls. This will serve to stabilize and define development expectations, setting the stage for robust economic infusion through development and improvement projects.

The CFEDC is excited about the next phases of community and economic development. More information is available at www.cedarfallsedc.com

Live the Valley Influencer Campaign

As part of our placemaking endeavors to promote the benefits of living in the Cedar Valley, Grow Cedar Valley is launching the Live the Valley Influencer Campaign. Our primary goal is to raise awareness about the advantages of residing in this region. To ensure a diverse range of perspectives, we have carefully selected eight individuals who can effectively represent what it’s like to work, live, and play in the Cedar Valley. Influencer marketing involves a collaborative approach where individuals with substantial social media followings join forces with businesses to increase awareness of the unique experiences offered by the Cedar Valley.

This campaign is a crucial component of our ongoing Live the Valley initiatives, which aims to showcase the exceptional quality of life in our region and attract and retain a dynamic workforce.

Read more at www.livethevalley.com

College Hill Partnership

Join the College Hill Partnership on Sunday, August 27, for Jazz in Seerley Park. Last year over 200 community members gathered in Seerley Park to enjoy a variety of jazz music, food, and beautiful summer weather. This year we are excited to expand the event with more music, more food, and a small selection of local vendors who create and sell handmade goods.

If you are looking for a fun way to spend Saturday morning, join us in Seerley Park for Sidecar Coffee and homemade baked goods, every second Saturday of the month. Saturdays in Seerley has given neighbors and community members the opportunity to have great conversations, connect with elected officials, and has brought awareness to the needed improvements in the Seerley Park.

The CHP continues work with several partners to revitalize Seerley Park. The much needed updates will include accessible play equipment, a fence around the play area, and a beautiful new shelter. If you would like to make a donation to this project you can visit the Cedar Falls Community Foundation website and select College Hill Partnership under the Donate tab. More information about fundraising opportunities will be available later this summer.

As you may have noticed, work on Pettersen Plaza and the Olive St. box culvert is underway. This renovation includes all new brick work, added landscaping, and eventually the addition of a beautiful piece of public art. We are looking forward to using this new space not only for events, but as another place to gather and enjoy all College Hill has to offer.

Summer Events:

College Hill Farmers Market—Wednesdays, from 4–6 p.m. on 22nd Street between College and Olive

Saturday in Seerley—Second Saturday of the month, from 9–11 a.m. in Seerley Park

Jazz in Seerley Park—Sunday, August 27, from 12–7 p.m. in Seerley Park

Grants to Be Awarded

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation annually accepts applications from nonprofit organizations April 15–June 30. This year the CFCF accepted applications to three funds—the Rownd Trust, the Diamond Arts & History fund, and the Children and Families Fund. The Rownd Trust supports capital projects in Cedar Falls. The Diamond Arts and History Fund supports multi-sensory and interactive arts and history programs and projects. And the Children and Families Fund supports equipment, furniture, or facilities replacement, repairs or upgrades for local childcare providers. Be on the lookout for our grant awardee announcements in August!

$5,000 Eller Study Abroad Scholarships Awarded

The CFCF has awarded five scholarships to UNI students who will study abroad in the Fall semester of 2023. This semester’s scholarship recipients are Adam Vig, Mitch Bewak, Jordan Kreft, Ethan Walthall, and Erin Spake. Each student will receive a $5,000 scholarship to assist with the cost of studying abroad in diverse places such as Italy, Greece, South Africa, and England.

Jasmine Zeleke was an Eller Scholarship awardee for the spring semester of 2023. Of her experience she says, “My semester in Costa Rice has been challenging, eye opening, unforgettable and absolutely beautiful. I am so grateful I was able to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad, as it has been a once in a lifetime adventure.”

The scholarships are made possible through the Robert Eller Study Abroad Scholarship Fund, established with the Cedar Falls Community Foundation in 1994. Robert Eller, a UNI professor, wanted to foster the educational, professional and personal growth of undergraduate students at UNI by providing funds for a semester or a year of study outside the United States to students whose previous travel experiences have been limited.

Board Officers Elected

At the Cedar Falls Community Foundation’s recent annual meeting in April, the 2023–2024 board officers were elected. John Lehman is serving as President, Susan Card as Vice President, Maureen Henderson as Secretary, and Tom Paulsen as Treasurer. Thank you to our officers, and all our board members for serving our community and the Cedar Falls Community Foundation!

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation is located inside Farmers State Bank, corner of 6th and Main Street, Cedar Falls, and is available by appointment. Contact the Foundation with questions by phone: 319.243.9170, email: director@cf-communityfoundation.org, or visit the website at www.cf-communityfoundation.org. You can also keep up to date with us on Facebook!

Festival of Trees

Exciting news! Planning is underway for the 35th Annual Festival of Trees! We are looking for volunteers for this awesome event. There are so many different ways you can share your time and talents to help this great cause. Please contact Diane Jorgensen or Stephanie Eagan at 319-268-3161 to learn about an opportunity to help with this special event.

515 Main Street (Farmers State Bank bldg —By appointment) PO Box 546, Cedar Falls, IA • 319-243-9170 cf-communityfoundation org

Email: director@cf-communityfoundation org

Facebook: CedarFallsCommunityFoundation