NewBo & Czech Village

Much has already been accomplished in this low-lying district that has been vulnerable to flood threats in the past. Levees and pump stations have already been completed, with additional underground measures scheduled to be underway this year. In the next two years, residents will see additional above-ground floodgates at 12th Avenue and 16th Avenue, a raised floodwall that will protect the National Czech & Slovak Museum, and the largest pump station constructed to date.

NewBo Lot 44 Levee // 2020 – 2021

• Located between 9th Avenue and 12th Avenue SE

• Parking restrictions in place during and after construction

12th Avenue SE Floodgate // Summer 2022 – Spring 2023

• Roller gate, similar to 16th Avenue SE

• Aesthetics to complement 16th Avenue SE gate

• Paired with intersection improvements at 2nd Street for new roundabout

• 12th Avenue Bridge elevation means west side does not require floodgate

• Road will be closed to traffic

• Trail detour established

• Access maintained to African American Museum of Iowa

Czech Village Underground Gate // 2021

• New underground stormwater gate on one of the largest storm sewer pipes connected to the river

• Prevents river water from backing up into the City’s storm sewer system, eliminating street flooding

• Reduces the City’s reliance on temporary measures such as plugs and pumps

The 16th Avenue SW roller floodgate is scheduled to begin this fall, and will tie into the levee and trail system in the Czech Village District.

16th Avenue SW Floodgate // Fall 2021 – Spring 2022

• Roller gate paired with decorative archway

• Complements aesthetics of east-side floodgate

• Integrated with landscaping enhancements near Czech Village Clock Tower

• Trail detour will be established

This fall, work will be underway on a permanent concrete floodwall at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, featuring a raised, terraced yard to accommodate outdoor activities.

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Floodwall // 2021

• Permanent concrete floodwall from the 16th Avenue gate to the proposed pump station just south of the 12th Avenue Bridge

• Includes a raised, terraced yard to accommodate outdoor activities at the museum and minimize the appearance of the floodwall

Otis Road Storm Sewer // Spring 2021 – Fall 2021

• New storm sewer along Otis Road (16th Street - Van Vechten Park) and upgrading storm sewer underneath a future levee.

• Ensures excess rain water can escape, instead of backing up into the neighborhood

• Tree clearing at Van Vechten Park is required to prevent tree debris clogging stormwater pipes

Czech Village Pump Station // 2022

• Largest pump station undertaken to date, located south of the 12th Avenue Bridge

• Capacity anticipated to be over 100,000 gallons per minute (more than twice the size of the Parking Lot 44 Pump Station)

• The aesthetics will complement and blend with the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library