Spring/Summer 2016
Rob Cline talks to area fans about what they love and what’s next : page 14
women-owned businesses thrive downtown : page 22
Good eats for kids and their grown-ups : page 8
Fashion takes flight in Iowa City : page 12
Summer fitness must-haves : page 28
THE
OF REAL ESTATE. PERFECTED.
S
pend an evening in downtown Io ow wa c City and you’ll see the local arts scene and diverse culture of this great ccity are gaalleries alive and well. From the museums, art g d and restaurants to the concert halls and ess theatres, this is a college town that take n pride in supporting its local artists. Alan Swanson, Adam Pretorius and Tim n Conroy know this well. They’ve all been heavily involved in this community throughout the years. Though they each offer their own artistic talents, d together they make up the A-Team and have perfected their own very specific art form: The Art of Real Estate.
THE ART OF REAL ESTATE ALAN SWANSON ADAM PRETORIUS TIM CONROY 319.321.3129 506 E. College St. • Iowa City, IA
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ATeamListens.com Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa
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vibrant arts scene in downtown 14 women-owned businesses
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prairie lights’ summer reads
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IC eats IC fashion IC numbers IC shopping IC progress IC something to do
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IC DOWNTOWN Magazine is produced by Press-Citizen Media in partnership with the Iowa City Downtown District. © 2016 Iowa City Press-Citizen GENERAL MANAGER & DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: David Chivers EDITOR: Amy Sundermann Contributing writers: Nancy Bird, Rob Cline, Haley Holton, Paul Ingram, Amanda Lesmeister, Kari Shafer, Amy Sundermann, Jan Weissmiller Photographers: Holly Hines, Zakery Neumann, Elizabeth Ross, Justin Torner Design: Benson & Hepker Design Account Executives: Karmen Dorshorst, Kitty Chadima
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Cover photo: Images from of downtown’s vibrant arts scene are reflected in the University of Iowa’s striking new Voxman Music Building. Image by Zakery Neumann and Robyn Hepker
WE CREATE
HERE
The Iowa Fashion Project celebrates local designers and our blossoming fashion scene.
Justin Torner
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wedding gifts
4000 square feet of fun
207 E Washington 319.351.8686 functional & decorative art open daily
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CONTRIBUTION TO 2012 GDP
every
value added to u.s. gdp by sector, 2012 health care and social assistance
1,152.3
retail trade
932.6 698.7
arts and culture
586.7
construction
464.1
transportation and warehousing
428
travel and tourism
agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting
264.6 195.3
created from new demand for the arts, an additional billions of dollars
Source: Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account, National Endowment for the Arts, and US Bureau of Economic Analysis
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for every
406.7
mining and extraction utilities
in demand for arts and culture generates
From Past to Present... PHOEBE MARTIN
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Cell: 319-541-8695 phoebe@skogman.com www.phoebemartin.skogman.com
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by Kari Shafer
“Tell the truth, work hard, and come to dinner on time.” Gerald R. Ford
eats
playing games at forbidden planet on the ped mall. Photo by Holly Hines
Downtown Dining: Kids’ Edition When
warm weather hits downtown, the playground and fountain are jampacked with activity and the restaurant patios open for the season. Summer in Iowa City is a great time for kids to explore the local restaurant menus and find new favorites. Here are just a few of the tasty places to satisfy the cravings of kids and adults alike. n
Forbidden Planet
111 S. Dubuque Street RUNDOWN Specializing in pizza and video games, Forbidden Planet offers a fun atmosphere for youngsters and their grown-ups. Playing PAC-MAN in between bites is a kid’s dream, and the list of local craft beers and delicious cocktails appeals to those over 21. Featured menu item Pollo Fantastico Specialty Neopolitan. Tomato, brined mozzarella, chicken, bacon, spinach, feta, garlic & olive oil. $13.50 (319) 358-6400 forbiddenplanetiowacity.com Mon. – Thurs. 11 am – 10 pm Fri. – Sat. 11 am – 11 pm Sun. 12 pm – 9 pm
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Z’Mariks
19 S. Dubuque Street RUNDOWN A casual environment with a menu full of noodles, Z’Mariks is a no-brainer for families. Fresh and fast made-to-order bowls, whether Italian, Asian or American-inspired, offer a wide selection when you’re looking for a quick bite to eat. Featured menu item Z’Mac n’ Cheese AKA “The Original.” Curly cavatappi pasta smothered in a trademark blend of melted cheeses, finished with cheddar jack. $4.23 (319) 338-5500 zmariks.com Everyday 10:30 am – 9 pm
Nodo Downtown
Dumpling Darling
5 S. Dubuque Street
130 N. Dubuque Street
RUNDOWN Sandwiches, salads and wraps are a good option when the weather is hot. Cool down in Nodo’s relaxed atmosphere and satisfy your craving. A menu of coffee, espresso, beer, and wine can be found here as well.
RUNDOWN Dumpling Darling’s brickand-mortar location is new to Iowa City this year and should be on your summer bucket list. Korean-inspired food may not be found on most typical kid’s menus, but visiting this restaurant is a fun way to introduce new flavors and favorites.
Featured menu item Grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich, on whole wheat with honey. $4.50 (319) 359-1181 nodoiowacity.com Mon. – Thurs. 9 am – 9 pm Fri. – Sat. 9 am – 10 pm Sun. 10 am – 8 pm
Featured menu item Brisket Dumplings. Smoked beef brisket, spicy kimchi, served with Korean BBQ sauce. $7.00 (319) 354-7677 dumplingdarling.com Mon. – Sat. 10 am – 10 pm Sun. 10 am – 9 pm
Oasis Falafel
206 N. Linn Street
RUNDOWN Mediterranean dishes are made for warm weather. Stop at Oasis Falafel to find a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. Oasis has yummy options for vegetarians and carnivores alike! Featured menu item Falafel Pita. Plain or wholewheat pita filled with hummus, baba ghanoush, Mediterranean salad and falafel. $5.95. Add meat or grilled veggies for $2.00 more. (319) 358-7342 oasisfalafel.com Everyday 11 am – 9 pm
Quinton’s Bar and Deli
215 E. Washington Street
RUNDOWN The menu here includes traditional offerings for kids as well as a wide variety of house sandwiches. Young ones can jam out to the jukebox while adults keep an eye on the daily drink specials.
An Iowa City Tradition Since 1948
Featured menu item Wisconsin Cheese Bread Bowl. A thick and creamy soup topped with crumbled bacon. Choose chips, sweet potato fries or cottage cheese as a side. $6.50 (319) 354-7074 quintonsbaranddeli.com
Your local source for great:
Everyday 11 am – 2 am
Micky’s Irish Pub
11 S. Dubuque Street RUNDOWN A neighborhood-style restaurant and bar that has been around for more than three decades, Micky’s is a local favorite with food for all ages and taste buds. The menu features a full range of burgers and sandwiches including the famous Conglomeration. Craving breakfast? Visit on a weekend! Featured menu item Fried Egg Sandwich. Two fried eggs, bacon, ham, pepperjack cheese on a Hawaiian roll. $7.00 (319) 338-6860 mickysirishpub.com Mon. – Fri. 11 am – 2 am Sat. – Sun. 8 am – 2 am
Mondo’s Saloon
112 E. College Street
RUNDOWN Located in the heart of the Ped Mall, Mondo’s Saloon offers a “Little Salooners” menu along with many other southwestern-themed options. Adults should look out for the infused tequilas made in-house, blended with fresh-squeezed lemon and lime juice, producing a variety of unique margaritas (there is even a Yotopia Frozen Yogurt Margarita dish!).
Beer
Wine
Spirits
Deli & Bakery
Featured menu item Crispy Chicken Tacos. Roasted chicken, cheddar, beans w/rice, salsa & sour cream (gluten free). $8.50 (319) 354-3837 mondossaloon.com Mon. – Tues. 11 am – 10 pm Wed. – Sat. 11 am – 1 am Sun. 8 am – 10 pm PC-6000052619
401 E. Market St. Iowa City, IA 52245 319.337.2183 www.johnsgrocery.com Spring/Summer 2016
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PRAIRIE LIGHTS BOOKS 15 S. Dubuque Street 319-337-2681 prairielights.com bookstore opens 10 am daily cafĂŠ opens 9 am daily
Jennifer Black Reinhardt will be signing books at Prairie Lights on Saturday, May 7 at 3 p.m. $16.99 (hardcover) Clarion Books an
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ity a c w io
landmark
1 Hour of Free Ramp Parking in Downtown Iowa City Just $2 to park in a designated ramp for 3 hours! (first hour free, then $1 per hour after) Discount applies to: Capitol St. (adjacent to Old Capitol Mall) Dubuque St. (adjacent to the Sheraton Hotel) Tower Place (on Iowa Avenue) Court Street Transportation Center for more info www.icgov.org
Need a parking spot?
Try ParkMe!
The ParkMe app provides real-time parking information for automated ramps in Iowa City:
- See how many spots are open in a particular facility - Find out payment options - Parking facility locations, map, and phone numbers - Mark the location of your vehicle in case you forget! Visit www.parkme.com or download the ParkMe app
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By Amanda Lesmeister
“You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.” Edith Head
Fashion
The Iowa Fashion Project celebrates local designers and our blossoming fashion scene.
Justin Torner
Fashion flourishes in Iowa City began with a simple question, “How can we be intentional about elevating fashion in Iowa?” We didn’t necessarily know what that was going to entail, but we were ready to experiment. Iowa Fashion Project (IFP) co-founder Simeon Talley had a vision of what was possible. It began with an impromptu fashion show at EntreFest in May 2015. Iowa’s largest conference had never hosted a fashion show before, and this was one of the first runway shows of its size ever created in the region. The results surpassed all of our expectations: a sold-out event, a collaboration of talent across industries, and hundreds of people wanting more. We knew we were on to something, and the Iowa Fashion Project (IFP) was born.
Amanda Lesmeister is a brand stylist with roots in digital marketing. After living in Spain for several years, she returned to her home state of Iowa to co-found the Iowa Fashion Project with Simeon Talley.
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IFP exists to bring together talent in the fashion industry and connect creative entrepreneurs with the resources they need to stay in Iowa and build their businesses. Iowa is rich in creative assets. The number of individuals wanting to plug into the project has been astounding. With IFP, we are building a fashion ecosystem where these entrepreneurs can thrive. Living a creative life can be isolating. It’s a common story for artistic folks with dreams of working in fashion to give up before they even get started, because they often feel alone in their endeavor. By bringing people together and giving them a platform to share their voices, it becomes much more than creative expression. It’s empowering. It sparks an emotional connec-
Spring/Summer 2016
tion to one’s own community. It helps create an environment in which people can invest their time, talent, and energy and truly flourish. There are artists in Iowa eager for the opportunity to create, collaborate, and to be a part of a coalition that supports what they do. Iowa Fashion Project is more than an effort to elevate fashion; we work to foster a community for creative types across a wide array of industries. A cultural hub for the state, Iowa City was an ideal launching pad for IFP. Being connected to the larger Creative Corridor has brought natural partnerships with groups such as Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD), Seed Here, Diversity Focus, and Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD). These organizations play a vital role in developing art and diversity in their respective communities. They have been our first supporters, and collectively help power the movement of IFP. Most recently, IFP has partnered with the ICDD to present Flyover Fashion Fest downtown in early May. This two-day special event highlights top Iowa talent in fashion and music. The programming includes runway shows, musical performances, graffiti art, film screenings, art exhibitions, and panel discussions. It brings together Iowa-born creators to elevate Midwest cool and treat fashion as the art form it is. The Iowa Fashion Project is committed to helping people experience Iowa fashion in a new way, engage in the conversation and spark new ideas. The result is sure to be transformative. n
beautiful clothing for women
109 S. Dubuque St. on the Ped Mall (319) 339-0410 www.shoptiques.com/boutiques/textiles
discerning eye
see well. look great.
www.SeeWellLookGreat.com PC-6000052618
119 E Washington St. • Downtown Iowa City • 319.3 38.68 00 Spring/Summer 2016
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Magician Nate Staniforth performing his magic up close at the Englert.
Zakery Neumann
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By Rob Cline
Downtown’s
yourself seated on your favorite artfully painted bench on the Pedestrian Mall. Now imagine that you have an artistic itch to scratch. Maybe you’re excited to engage in the literary culture so central to the community’s identity. Perhaps you’d like to dive into the visual arts. Or maybe you’d like to catch a film or a live performance. From the bench you’re sitting on, you’re literally steps away from any—or all—of those options. Downtown Iowa City is a vibrant hub of artistic activity, full of passionate people who go to the shows, gaze at the art, and engage with the books and authors in the heart of the community. Who better to speak about the arts scene than the folks who participate? Imagine them stopping to sit beside you for a moment on that bench, eager to tell you about their favorite part of the downtown arts community. Spring/Summer 2016
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The Literary Arts Iowa City was named a UNESCO City of Literature in 2008, and the organization that manages the designation is located downtown in the Iowa City Public Library. For Linda Farkas, the designation was no small matter. She and her husband had been living in Milwaukee, but were planning to move back to the area to be close to family. “The City of Literature designation sealed the deal for us to come back,” Farkas said. She’s a fan of the organization’s annual festivals. “The Iowa City Book Festival brings outstanding authors and our readers together,” she said. “And One Book Two Book opens the same door for children, which I think is extremely important in this day and age.” Amber Capps, a stay-at-home parent and freelance graphic designer, also values the literary programming for children. “My daughters feel like the Iowa City Public Library is their second home,” she said. “They gravitate to the puzzles, the play areas, and the stacks looking for new and exciting reads.”
Summertime is a great time for music downtown, both indoors and out
Capps believes the Iowa City Public Library is exceptional. “The library is truly the center of downtown for our family, and for many others,” she said. “The programming, staff, collections, amenities, and location are all treasures that I don’t take for granted.” For writers in the community, the Iowa Writers’ House, located in the residential area just north of downtown, offers a variety of programming that brings authors together in a collegial environment.
Downtown festivals fill the streets with people, performances, food and art
Maggie Conroy, herself a respected writer who is also the widow of Frank Conroy, longtime director of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, thinks the Iowa Writers’ House is filling an essential niche. While the University of Iowa’s famed writing programs serve many authors, “there are still a lot of writers left over,” Conroy said. Calling the house in which the organization is situated “a wonderful sort of metaphor,” Conroy extolled the opportunities created by the Iowa Writers’ House. “Writing can be very lonely work, and many writers are fine with that,” she said, “but a lot of writers gravitate toward other writers.” Writers and readers come together at Prairie Lights Books, which hosts an astonishing number of author readings. Daniel Khalastichi, the associate director of the UI’s Frank N. Magid Center for Undergraduate Writing, knows the store is no ordinary place.
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Dreamwell Theatre’s production of Beyond Therapy. Elizabeth Ross
“the library is truly the center of downtown for our family, and for many others. the programming, staff, collections, amenities, and location are all treasures that i don’t take for granted.” Amber Capps, iowa city
“Prairie Lights is a literary institution,” Khalastichi said. “It not only offers a wide selection of books – many hand-sold by the store’s intelligent and kind staff members – but it also hosts some of the best and most inspiring readings I’ve ever had the luxury to attend. Prairie Lights isn’t just part of our community, in many ways it is our community – the place to meet, converse, learn, and connect with literature in ways that other stores (in other cities) simply just can’t do.”
Bringing people downtown for the Iowa Arts Festival is a key part of the interconnectedness of downtown, Last believes. “You’ve got the art galleries downtown, you’ve got the Pentacrest museums, you’ve got the downtown businesses, and I think it’s just overall a great thing for this area.”
The Visual Arts
Schleidt values the community-building that happens at Public Space One. “PS1 is here for those with a desire to expand themselves and share the experience with others,” he said. “You can be an active participant or a silent observer.”
While the University of Iowa Museum of Art is in the process of locating its new home, Josh Koza, an Iowa City native and high school art teacher, has been visiting the UIMA since he was a child and is excited for the day a new museum opens. “It’s really important to this community, to any community,” Koza said. A downtown (or near downtown) location, Koza believes, would lead to more exposure for the visual arts and would be in keeping with the organization’s current efforts, which include events in downtown Iowa City on the first Friday of every month. “The First Friday events are great outreach to the community.” His childhood experiences at the UIMA helped shape his future, and he looks forward to sharing a new museum with his daughter. “I can’t wait to walk in the door with my little girl and experience that for the first time,” he said. Each June, the Iowa Arts Festival – one of the major festivals put on by Summer of the Arts – brings great visual arts to the streets of downtown Iowa City. The festival is Kathy Last’s favorite of the summer events, in part because she volunteers as an artist liaison, ensuring that participating artists have everything they need. “This town promotes the arts better than anybody for a city this size,” said Last, a receptionist in the UI’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. “I couldn’t be more excited to be even a small part of it.”
The gallery at Public Space One hosts a wide variety of art exhibits, often local and often edgy, and the organization offers artist studios, as well. Jay Schleidt has been an active participant Public Space One’s visual and performing arts programs.
That community-building, Schleidt contends, can extend beyond artistic conversations. “Community engagement affords active discussion on crucial societal issues such as gender inequality, concerns of migrants, and safe access to food.” The University of Iowa’s Art Building, which dated from 1935, was heavily damaged in the 2008 flood. The striking, new Visual Arts Building, just off of Riverside Drive and adjacent to Art Building West, opens this year and will provide opportunities for the public to enjoy exhibits of work by UI art students.
The Performing Arts The color and lights of the Englert Theatre’s marquee might be the most visible signal of a performance going on in downtown Iowa City, but downtown is awash in venues presenting theater, music, dance, film, and more. Vern Duba, a clinical assistant professor in the UI’s College of Pharmacy, remembers when the Englert was a two-screen movie theater. He’s grateful that it was restored as a live performance venue.
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Two University of Iowa buildings devoted to the arts—Voxman Music Building and Hancher Auditorium—will open this fall in or near downtown. A third, the University of Iowa Museum of Art, will be built once a new site for the facility is determined. As the directors of these programs explain below, all three will contribute to the arts in downtown Iowa City. David Gier, Director of the UI School of Music The new Voxman Music Building both physically and symbolically puts music right in the heart of the UI campus and downtown Iowa City. Public engagement is such an important part of our mission, and our proximity to downtown is an opportunity to be an even bigger part of the rich cultural scene that makes Iowa City’s downtown so vibrant. We’re excited to welcome the community into our new building to enjoy hundreds of free, world-class music events presented by our faculty and students. Chuck Swanson, Executive Director of Hancher Auditorium Even though the new Hancher Auditorium isn’t in downtown Iowa City, the opening of the facility in the fall will have a big impact on downtown. Part of that, of course, will be people heading out for dinner before or after a performance, and people, including Hancher artists, staying in the downtown hotels. But Hancher’s collaborative spirit, our desire to work on projects with other arts organizations and with all sorts of campus and community groups, will also have an impact on downtown as we continue to build relationships and share great art throughout the community. Hancher, like many of the exciting things happening downtown, contributes to the metropolitan feel of our community. Sean O’Harrow, Director of the University of Iowa Museum of Art A vibrant, active and easily accessible art museum is fundamental to the quality of life and the promotion of the arts in any community. Iowa City will benefit from such a facility in the not-too-distant future. In the meanwhile, UIMA continues to offer fresh exhibitions at the IMU, and public events in and around downtown. UIMA First Fridays, held monthly at FilmScene, showcase local artists, feature collaborations with other downtown arts initiatives, and provide an opportunity for art-lovers to mingle. All UIMA exhibitions and programs are free to the public. We are fortunate to live in a community that has such a hunger for and appreciation of art. It makes the UIMA mission to serve the state, the community, and the campus both a pleasure and an honor. above: Voxman Music Building, Hancher Auditorium, University of Iowa Visual Arts Building
Images of Voxman Music Building and Visual Arts Building provided by the University of Iowa Office of Strategic Communication; Hancher architectural rendering by Pelli Clark Pelli/OPN
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“I love that I can see performers from my ‘must-see-before-I-die’ list in my backyard,” Duba said. “Mavis Staples, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, and Roseanne Cash have been crossed off that list more than once.” FilmScene serves much the same role for film lovers, according to Tom Carsner, an Iowa City native who works as an accessibility specialist at ACT. “To me, the thing about FilmScene is that I don’t feel like I have to travel to Chicago or Minneapolis to see the quality of films I’m looking for.” For theater fans, both Riverside Theatre and Dreamwell Theatre offer a range of engaging, challenging work. Riverside Theatre, a professional theater company founded in 1981, is a favorite of Anna Barker, who is an adjunct assistant professor of Russian literature at the University of Iowa. She believes the appeal of Riverside’s programming, both at the theater on North Gilbert Street and at the outdoor theater in Lower City Park, is intergenerational, and she has enjoyed taking her three children to a variety of productions. “We can see amazing American classics, like Tennessee Williams or Arthur Miller, but we can also see new and exciting shows like (the recent world premiere of) Line of Descent . . . It really is a marvelous institution, and it’s there for all of us.” Dreamwell Theatre has produced shows in many downtown spots over the years, including church basements and a converted space in the Old Capitol Mall. Currently, the company is performing in Public Space One. Kathy Maxey, a senior treasury analyst at the University of Iowa, is active in the local theater community and has a particular love for Dreamwell Theatre. “I love Dreamwell on Friday night,” she said. “It is exciting to know that you are going to see something unexpected at the end of the work week, and that it will provoke discussion afterwards.” The Summer of the Arts festivals – including the Iowa Arts Festival, the Iowa City Jazz Festival, the Friday Night Concert Series, and the Free Movie Series, among other activities – fill downtown’s summer days and nights with performances and people from throughout the community and beyond. Other festivals, including Mission Creek, Witching Hour, MusicIC, and Northside Oktoberfest, keep the energy going all year long.
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“i love that i can see perfo ‘must-see-before-i-die’ list mavis staples, steve earle,
more
information Literary Arts Iowa City Public Library 123 S. Linn Street (319) 356-5200 icpl.org Iowa Writers’ House 332 E. Davenport Street iowawritershouse.org
Pat Addis, along with her husband, Laird, a professor emeritus in the UI Department of Philosophy, is among those who are eager for the new building to open.
FilmScene 118 E. College Street (319) 358-2555 icfilmscene.org
Visual Arts Benchmarks Found throughout the downtown pedestrian mall downtowniowacity.com/ pages/visit/uiccubenchmarks.php Iowa Arts Festival, June 3-5 summerofthearts.org
Hancher Auditorium New building opens September 2016 Current box office: First floor, Old Capitol Town Center 201 S. Clinton Street 1 (800) HANCHER hancher.uiowa.edu Riverside Theatre 213 N. Gilbert Street (319) 338-7672 riversidetheatre.org
Public Space One 120 N. Dubuque Street (319) 331-8893 publicspaceone.com
Summer of the Arts Free Movie Series, Saturdays June 11 – Aug. 20
University of Iowa Museum of Art Works on view at Iowa Memorial Union 125 N. Madison Street
Friday Night Concert Series, May 20 – Sept. 2 Jazz Festival, July 1 – 3 summerofthearts.org
First Friday events at FilmScene 118 E. College Street (319) 335-1727 uima.uiowa.edu
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Performing Arts
Englert Theatre 221 E. Washington Street (319) 688-2653 englert.org
UNESCO City of Literature Located in the Iowa City Public Library 123 S. Linn Street iowacityofliterature.org
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The University of Iowa’s School of Music will open downtown this fall in the new Voxman Music Building, bringing student and faculty musicians and their audiences together in the center of the community. The beautiful new facility will include a 700-seat concert hall, a 200-seat recital hall, an organ performance hall, opera and chamber music rehearsal spaces, faculty studios, classrooms, and individual rehearsal spaces.
Dreamwell Theatre Performances at Public Space One 120 N. Dubuque Street (319) 423-9820 dreamwell.com
Prairie Lights Books 15 S. Dubuque Street (319) 337-2681 prairielights.com
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University of Iowa Visual Arts Building art.uiowa.edu
University of Iowa School of Music arts.uiowa.edu/events/music
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“The School of Music is poised to lure us downtown,” Addis said. “We have been attending School of Music events for well over 50 years, following them hither and yon, including to their various post-flood venues. It is a wonderful dilemma to have too much from which to choose. But now the new Voxman Music Building promises to offer a supremely classy setting. Even a recent tour to see its semi-finished state was impressive.” The University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium has been without its own home since the flood of 2008, so it has been presenting events throughout the community, the region, and the state – including in downtown Iowa City. This fall, the new Hancher Auditorium will open on campus, and while the building itself isn’t downtown, the impact of the 1800-seat venue, which also includes a rehearsal hall that can host performances, will no doubt be felt in downtown restaurants, hotels, and more. For Yolanda Spears, director of the Family Resource Center at Lucas Elementary, Hancher is an organization that has served both her family and the students in her school. “One of the things about Hancher is the history, and for me, it’s personal history,” she said. Spears remembers bringing her mother to the original Hancher Auditorium for the first time and taking her sons to a variety of events over the years. She looks forward to taking her grandchild to Hancher someday. “It fills me with wonder and amazement,” she said. “It gives me chills. It will be generations of memories. Hancher is going to bring our community tons and tons of opportunities to fall in love with the arts.”
Time to get off the bench and get involved Even if you’re already taking advantage of the downtown arts community, odds are there’s still plenty for you to explore. And if you’ve never been to a reading, or a gallery, or a theater in the center of town, there’s undeniably something to pique your interest and enrich your life. Don’t stay on that bench—beautifully painted though it is. Get up, join your fellow community members, and enjoy one of the most robust arts scenes to be found anywhere. n
Rob Cline is Director of Marketing and Communications for Hancher Auditorium. He recently appeared onstage in Riverside Theatre’s production, ROAR!
Iowa City: Old Capital Town Center (get directions) 201 South Clinton Iowa City, IA 52240 | 319 341-5799
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May 21 6:30pm
Pedestrian Plaza Join us as we wrap up Music is the Word with a special performance by Catfish Keith! Music, reading, movies, adventure - ICPL has it all!
icpl.org/mitw
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Women Making Downto According to the 2015 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report produced by American Express OPEN, there are approximately 9.4 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., generating $1.5 trillion in revenues and employing almost eight million people. Unfortunately, Iowa consistently ranks at or near the bottom of the list of states in terms of “Combined Economic Clout” of women, based on growth in three categories: the number of women-owned businesses, revenue, and number of employees.
Ritu Jain, Catherine Champion, Jil Dasher, Tara Cronbaugh, Veronica Tessler and Joan Severson on the balcony at Digital Artefacts overlooking downtown.
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Just over 50 percent of Iowa’s population is female and 76 percent of Iowa women aged 16 to 64 are working, according to a 2015 report from the Iowa Women’s Leadership Project (IWLP). Despite these numbers, women own only 25 percent of Iowa businesses. The IWLP report states, “In addition to being a vital tool to create personal and family wealth, women-owned businesses contribute greatly to the state and national economy…But there is great untapped potential.” Addressing issues such as access to capital, encouraging women to pursue degrees in fields that produce intellectual property, and engaging women as mentors for
wn Work
By Amy Sundermann Photos by Zakery Neumann
other women will be critical to creating more women-owned businesses. The Iowa City Downtown District is committed to helping women achieve that potential. According to the ICDD, more than 50 downtown businesses are owned by women. These include clothiers, bookstores and other retail establishments occupying downtown’s storefronts. Women also run the show in restaurants, personal and professional services, and technology. We asked five of these owners to share perspectives on their success, and what they would say to a young woman with a vision of her own.
Joan Severson, Digital Artefacts When you go to Digital Artefacts’ website, one of the first messages you see is “We Build Awesome.” Awesome, indeed. Joan Severson’s company overlooks downtown and the whole Iowa City area from high in the penthouse at Marc Moen’s Park@201. This stunning location is a big reason why Digital Artefacts has its home in Iowa City, when they could easily operate anywhere in the world. Severson’s company creates interactive experiences for companies and organizations all over the country and across the globe. A current project, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, involves teaching children in China about pedestrian safety and preventing injury using virtual reality and mobile technology. Severson chooses to keep Digital Artefacts in Iowa City because of the quality of life here. “People are drawn here,” she explained. “We’ve never had to recruit from outside the area. In fact, friends of our employees contact them to get jobs here.” Severson believes there is a special energy in downtown Iowa City that is unique. “The downtown businesses reflect the souls of the people who run them. Their passion is palpable.” She actively supports the Women in Informatics and Computer Science group at the University of Iowa. She hopes more women will launch tech start-ups in Iowa, and she strongly encourages young women to learn to program and embrace careers in technology. Her advice to young entrepreneurs? “Find something you’re passionate about. Find good mentors and get a good internship. And then, go get a job first (before starting your own company). There’s so much you need to know.” n
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Veronica Tessler, Yotopia
Jil Dasher, Scout
Veronica Tessler calls herself an “accidental entrepreneur.” A Virginia native, she attended college in Richmond. Her degree in political science and international studies landed her a job at the Stanley Foundation in Muscatine. Iowa was a long way from Virginia, but it was also the hotbed of the 2008 presidential campaign, and Tessler wanted to be where the action was.
Jil Dasher’s background in event management gives her a keen eye for detail and a quest to create unforgettable experiences. She, along with her husband, artist Jamie Boling, and Iowa City fashion maven Catherine Champion, had been exploring an idea for a new retail experience driven by men’s fashion, but one that encompasses a whole lifestyle. When the Whitey’s Ice Cream space on Washington Street became available last year, Scout was born.
During her travels, she saw the burgeoning self-serve frozen yogurt trend on the coasts and thought the idea could take off in Iowa City. She decided to give it a go. But, Tessler admits, she had a lot to learn. She downloaded a business plan template from Google and tailored it toward what she had in mind. Funding was a major issue. She took her proposal to seven banks and was denied by six of them.
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information Digital Artefacts 201 E. Washington Street Ste. 1302 digitalartefacts.com Java House Downtown location at 211 E. Washington Street (319) 341-0012 thejavahouse.com Scout opening late summer 2016 112 E. Washington Street Textiles 109 S. Dubuque Street (319) 339-0410 textiles.shoptiques.com Yotopia 132 S. Clinton Street (319) 338-0500 yotopiafroyo.com
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“I was 25, with no prior business experience. I was starting from scratch – not a franchise. I wasn’t a good risk,” she laughed. “But I had the will to see it out. That’s a common thread throughout my life – trying something different when other people think you’re crazy.” Tessler attributes her success to very hard work. She kept her job at the Stanley Foundation for a year after opening Yotopia, often putting in 90 to 100-hour work weeks. She now encourages her employees to pursue dreams of their own. “They see how a small business works, and they go create something of their own.” Tessler is grateful to the downtown business community for its support. She credits a group of friends who also own small businesses and who help each other learn from their successes and failures. “Talk about your ideas and surround yourself with people who have different skills than you do,” she advised. “Work with people who will challenge you and get you to think about things in a different way. Humility is a huge part. Be open to admitting you don’t know everything and need help.” And, she added, be willing to work very, very hard. “You can’t just have a business start-up on the side.” n
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“Scout will be a destination and an experience,” Dasher explained. “If the store was a person, he would be a gentleman. He would be classic, rugged but polished, tailored but casual, calculated and discriminating. There will be clothes, but also books, art, and events.” Scout is slated to open later this summer, after the Washington Street renovations are completed. Dasher and her partners saw a need for such a retail experience in Iowa City, and were amazed at the support they received from the downtown business community, especially the women-owned businesses. “The women were among the first to contact us offering support. They said, ‘Welcome! There’s room for you here,’” she said. Dasher has had offers to take her passions and expertise to other places, but she remains committed to staying in the community she loves. “I’d like better weather,” she laughed, “but I’m not going to find better friends or a better life. We want to stay here and support our community.” Dasher encourages young women who have passion for an idea to be brave. “So many women have a dream but say, ‘Oh, I could never do that.’ Just do it. Make it happen. There are so many mentors here who can help,” she said. n
“Train for the details in your own business and pay attention to the details in others.” Tara Cronbaugh, Java House
Ritu Jain, Textiles
Tara Cronbaugh, Java House
Ritu Jain has lived in Iowa City since she was four years old. She’s been an entrepreneur just about as long.
Tara Cronbaugh says her last “real job” was at JCPenney in the Old Capitol Mall. That was years ago, but no one can suggest Cronbaugh made a mistake walking away from that position.
“My mom tells me I’ve wanted to own my own business since I was six,” she smiled. After graduating from the University of Iowa, Jain went to New York and worked for a jewelry company. But the tug of her hometown pulled her back. “Iowa City is a place you really appreciate after you leave. It’s so easy and so friendly here,” she said, echoing a sentiment heard from many who leave the area and later return. Textiles originally opened in 1991 as a fabric store on Linn Street. The current location on the Ped Mall opened nine months later, and Jain has been there ever since, now offering colorful and comfortable lines of women’s clothes, shoes and accessories. In the early days, Jain also worked in the Hancher Auditorium costume shop, and she credits that job with helping her limit the new business’ debt. Jain is a long-time member of the downtown Retail Caucus and acknowledges the support members have for each other. Small business owners have a lot on their plates, and Caucus members are there to help one another succeed. “The more successful businesses we have downtown, the more successful we all will be,” she explained. “A thriving downtown means everyone is thriving.” She also credits the university for contributing to a forward-thinking, more cosmopolitan community where different types of businesses are more likely to do well. “It’s a town that’s open to ideas and is accepting of people. It’s nurturing,” she said. Jain reiterates that it’s important for young entrepreneurs to pursue something they are truly passionate about. For those with an interest in retail, she advised, “Do your research. Monitor traffic patterns. And use your resources.” n
Cronbaugh started the Java House coffeehouse based on a business plan she developed as a student at the University of Iowa in 1993. It might not have gotten off the ground if it wasn’t for one very special connection. “Jim Harris at Prairie Lights gave me my chance. Without his support, I doubt I would have been as successful,” Cronbaugh explained. Success is undeniable. In the past two decades, Java House has moved from that Prairie Lights location and now operates three stores in Iowa City, as well as locations at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the Iowa Memorial Union and the Carver College of Medicine. Cronbaugh recently expanded her concept beyond coffee with the launch of Heirloom Salad Company, offering handcrafted salads, soups and sandwiches. She now employs approximately 180 people in the Iowa City area. Cronbaugh credits her success to a certain level of fearlessness and to having good people around her. “It’s really important to surround yourself with positive people,” she explained. “Negative people jeopardize growth and jeopardize a team. It’s important to tackle any issues right away.” Cronbaugh encourages those with a passion and an idea to jump on it. “If you want to be an entrepreneur, do it now. The younger you are, the better. You aren’t as settled and you don’t have as much to lose.” Fearlessness, inquisitiveness and attention to detail are all essential components. “Train for the details in your own business and pay attention to the details in others,” she advised. But the one thing above all others that Cronbaugh recommends is learning from one’s mistakes. “When something goes wrong, and it will, use it as an opportunity to make things better. Follow through and fix it.” n
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Prairie Lights’ Summer Reads Jan’s Picks 1. Imagine Me Gone by Adam Haslett Adam Haslett’s new novel traces half a century in a family of five, from the parents’ engagement in 1963 through a father and son’s psychological torments and a final crisis. Each chapter is told by one of the family’s five voices, shifting the point of view on shared troubles, showing how they grow away from one another without losing touch. This is a sad and beautiful read.
2. Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld The newest novel by the best-selling author of Prep is a true delight. Funny and pitch-perfect, this rendering of Pride and Prejudice in 21st Century Cincinnati makes the perfect summer read. The Washington Post has it right when it says, “Novelists get called master storytellers all the time, but Sittenfeld really is one.”
3. Dinner With Edward: A Story of an Unexpected Friendship by Isabel Vincent This memoir features a nonagenarian and a recently divorced reporter who engage in a series of discussions over mouthwatering dinners. Every woman who has ever been left reeling from the loss of love deserves an Edward to cook for and console her. Dinner With Edward is a delightful and moving story.
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information Prairie Lights Books 15 S. Dubuque Street (319) 337-2681 prairielights.com
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Jan Weissmiller
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Jan Weissmiller, poet and co-owner of Iowa City’s famed Prairie Lights Books, and in-store book buyer Paul Ingram are both authors, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two when it comes to the literary world. Here are Jan’s and Paul’s recommendations for your summer reading list:
Paul’s Picks 1. Margaret the First by Danielle Dutton
This wonderful historical novel features a duchess from the time of the English Civil War – a thoroughgoing eccentric who wrote considerable prose and poetry, much of which was published in her time. This book is witty, well researched, and absolutely fascinating. In Margaret the First, Danielle Dutton delivers a first-person character that takes the reader into a believable and lively 17th Century France and England.
2. Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? by Frans de Waal
Frans de Wall is one of our greatest scientist/animaladvocates, who has studied dozens of animals in their natural environments. He believes, as did Dianne Fosse and Jane Goodall before him, that the intelligence of animals resembles human intelligence in many ways that have surprised traditional science. His new book deals with his usual chimps and also shows us the brilliance of dogs, cats, all manner of birds, and young human beings. De Waal’s book will be published in April, and animal lovers everywhere will adore it.
3. Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer
Paul Ingram
Iowa City Press-Citizen
No summer reading list is complete without one thriller. Rubbernecker is my choice for Summer 2016. Belinda Bauer is one of those English writers to whom a beautiful writing style seems a birthright. In her new book, she gives her readers a story featuring an oddball detective, Dr. Patrick Fort, who grew up with a kind of Asperger’s Syndrome that allows him an unusual contact with those who’ve just passed away. I’ve never read a crime novel with characters able to make so unlikely a premise so completely believable. This is Bauer’s first novel available in the United States, and I’m hoping Rubbernecker will put her on the map here.
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By Haley Holton
running the numbers
1,391,482 items borrowed from the Iowa City Public Library in the last year.
shopping
Summer fitness ess 1. FitBit Flex. Iowa Book. $99.95
3,883
2. Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Crew. Lululemon. $68.00
number of speaking pipes in the School of Music pipe organ
77,000 community members attended an event at the Englert in the last year.
25 local artists commissioned to participate in the UICCU BenchMarks program.
13,190
boxes of popcorn FilmScene has sold to its movie-loving patrons.
51,188
beads, string & workshops sold by Beadology Iowa in the last 12 months.
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Stay focused on your goals and get motivated to be more active with Flex – a slim, stylish device that tracks all-day activity like steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned and active minutes.
A long-sleeve layer designed with running (and sweating) in mind. Lightweight fabric and seamless construction keep you moving freely while mesh venting encourages airflow and keeps you cool. Silverescent® technology, powered by X-STATIC®, inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the shirt.
3. Fig & Yarrow Underarm Lotion. Revival. $14.00
This underarm lotion is a blend of minerals and botanicals to naturally discourage both odor and excessive moisture while nourishing and soothing underarm skin. This is the perfect item to stow in your gym bag for an after-workout refresher.
4. Mono B Abstract Cut-Out Leggings. Revival. $38.00
These athletic leggings come in a great abstract black and white print. They are full length with a crisscross ankle detail on each leg. These stylish leggings are perfect for yoga, running, or just running errands!
5. Smartwool PhD Run Ultra Light Micro Socks. Active Endeavors. $15.95
These new and improved Smartwool run socks feature 4 Degree™ elite fit system, ReliaWool™ technology for superior durability and a virtually seamless toe. Mesh ventilation zones provide ultimate temperature and moisture regulation where runners need it most.
6. Nike LunarTempo 2. Running Wild. $100.00
The Nike LunarTempo 2 Men’s Running Shoe combines the lightweight fit of a racing shoe with soft Lunarlon cushioning for an ultra-smooth ride, ideal for both tempo training and longer distances.
7. The Manduka PROlite yoga mat. Hothouse Yoga. $78.00
The PROlite is the perfect solution for people seeking a lightweight yoga mat with superior quality and comfort. The PROlite is a lighter, zero-waste yoga mat – for in the studio or on the go.
8. S’Well Blond Wood 25oz Bottle. Tailgate. $45.00
Not only are these water bottles the coolest in the marketplace, S’well has partnered up with UNICEF to help bring clean drinking water to the world with every purchase. S’well bottles keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and hot for 12. The bottles do not condensate and are non-toxic, non-leaching & BPA free.
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“The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow.” Arnold Schwarzenegger In 2015, Outdoor magazine voted Iowa City the 3rd best place to live in the U.S. for being outdoors and running, eating, and bicycle riding. We’ve rounded up downtown’s newest fitness gear to inspire you to hit the gym or the outdoors and make it count! These fitness items will spruce up your gym bag and motivate you to stick to your summer workout goals.
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information Active Endeavors 138 S. Clinton Street (319) 337-9444 shopactiveendeavors.com
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Hothouse Yoga 224 S. Clinton Street (319) 351-9642 hothouseyoga.com Iowa Book 8 S. Clinton Street (319) 337-4188 iowabook.com
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Lululemon Athletica (opening Spring 2016) Northside Marketplace Linn and Bloomington streets (877) 263-9300 lululemon.com Revival 117 E. College Street (319) 337-4511 revivaliowacity.com Running Wild 121 E. Washington Street (319) 359-1018 runningwild-iowa.com Tailgate 30 S. Clinton Street (319) 359-1628 tailgateclothing.com
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PRIVATE SCREENINGS PARTIES • MEETINGS
HOST IT AT FILMSCENE! FOR RENTALS CONTACT
EMILY@ICFILMSCENE.ORG WINE
NEW RELEASE FILMS NIGHTLY
BEER
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New Roof, Same Mercy Care On April 1, Mercy Pediatric Clinic rolled out the welcome mat at a brand new location in Coralville, and we can’t wait to show you around. What’s New? ■■ Our Building: A new Mercy clinics building will provide more room to care for your little ones. ■■ Our Neighbors: Mercy clinics including occupational health, internal medicine, and urgent care as well as OB/GYN Associates and Corridor Radiology ■■ Our Access: An easy reach for families in Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty What’s the Same? ■■ Faces You Trust: Reliable care from Shirley Paul, MD; Angela O’Connor, MD; Kathryn Skopec, MD; and Lisa Moenning, PA ■■ Help When You Need It: Same-day and evening appointments ■■ An Open Door: New patients are always welcome.
Visit us at our new location: Mercy Pediatric Clinic 2769 Heartland Drive Suite100 Coralville, IA 52241
Make an Appointment: 319-688-PEDS (7337)
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by Nancy Bird, Executive Director, Iowa City Downtown District
progress
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress.” Henry ford
ICDD diversity wil guide downtown progress Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with the expression, “The only thing constant in life is change itself.” While change can put some on edge, for downtowns across the nation change is not only inevitable, it’s critical to ensure economic health and adaptation to changing trends. You’re either ahead of the trends or eating the dust of others. At the same time, care must be taken to preserve local heritage. In the late 70s and early 80s, change came to downtown Iowa City in the form of urban renewal, when the razing of several blocks of historic buildings for an indoor mall decimated part of the landscape. While several downtowns across the Midwest experienced the
Continuing Board Officers and Directors in July 2016
President Ritu Jain, Textiles President-Elect Mark Ginsberg, MC Ginsberg Treasurer Kent Jehle, MidwestOne Bank Secretary Joni Schrup, Discerning Eye Past President George Etre, Takanami, Formosa, El Patron David Kieft, University of Iowa Business Manager Bill Nusser, Hands Jewelers Naftaly Stramer, Oasis Falafel
New Directors starting July 2016
Sara Wallace-Belle, HD Short & Sons John Burchert, Eden Lounge Crissy Canganelli, Shelter House Susan Craig, Iowa City Public Library Michelle Galvin, The Velvet Coat Nick Lindsley, Neumann Monson Architects Katie Roche, The Englert Theatre Linda Schreiber, Master Gardener Angela Winnike, Java House
Continuing Ex-Officio in July 2016
Steve Boyd, Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce Wendy Ford, City of Iowa City Kate Moreland, Iowa City Area Development Group Joshua Schamberger, Iowa City Coralville Convention & Visitors Bureau
New Ex-Officio starting July 2016
Lisa Barnes, Summer of the Arts Jacob Simpson, UI Student Government
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same phenomenon, our downtown has since recovered and established deep cultural roots around another distinguishing asset born of this same period — the Pedestrian Mall. Now one of the few remaining vibrant pedestrian malls in the country, the need for infrastructure repairs and updates in the city’s central plaza is becoming evident as bricks loosen and the underground electrical malfunctions. Continuing the implementation of the 2014 Streetscape Update is paramount for downtown, which hasn’t seen major public investment since 1998. Needed private sector updates include renovating many properties to respect their period architecture, and new construction on old surface parking lots to fill in the “missing teeth” along the downtown and Northside Marketplace streetscapes. The ICDD has a vested interest in supporting both public and private sector improvements that demonstrate consideration of sustainable practices, acknowledgement of our housing squeeze, and provide a tangible benefit for the entire community. To that end, I am pleased to present the face of our new board of directors, to commence in July 2016. Realizing that downtown organizations can be an important impetus to social, environmental, and economic change, the ICDD leadership model has been refined to push this envelope. Our bylaws have been amended to increase board seats from 19 to 24 to allow for additional “at large” community stakeholders and ensure the organization has a balanced perspective in making targeted investments downtown and in the Northside Marketplace that benefit and engage the entire community. The new board reflects our diverse population in Iowa City, and a desire to work with many different entities to support not only a vibrant downtown, but a healthy community. A special thank you to the current board members who have served for the past four years. Eight of these directors will continue their service and provide the continuity of leadership to ensure a strong transition and continued progress. The ICDD is optimistic about the future and excited that this board will be at the helm to provide guidance into the dynamic and changing landscape of downtown Iowa City. n
PRESENTED BY six-day The Iowa City Book Festival is a four-day celebration of books, reading and writing. The festival includes readings, discussions, and demonstrations from a variety of authors.
OCTOBER 4-9, 2016 PC-6000052638
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
IOWACITYBOOKFESTIVAL.ORG
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something to do
“Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.” Voltaire
Downtown Iowa City’s event calendar heats up in the summer months with outdoor concerts and festivals, exhibitions, spectacular celebrations and pop-up performances. Whether you’re looking to dance your way into the weekend at the Friday Night Concert Series, explore the great culinary offerings of Taste of Iowa City, or enjoy cinema classics under the stars on the rooftop of FilmScene, this list is for you. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @downtowniowacity.com
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Friday Night Concert Series May 20, 28 Sunset Salsa May 14 Rooftop Movie Series
summerofthearts.org downtowniowacity.com icFilmScene.org
Gallery Walk June 3 Iowa Arts Fest June 3-5 Friday Night Concert Series June 10, 17, 24 Saturday Free Movie Series June 11, 18, 25 Sunset Salsa June 11 Rooftop Movie Series
downtowniowacity.com summerofthearts.org summerofthearts.org summerofthearts.org downtowniowacity.com icFilmScene.org
Jazz Fest July 1-3 Friday Night Concert Series July 8, 15, 22, 29 Saturday Free Movie Series July 9, 16, 23, 30 Sunset Salsa July 9 Downtown Sidewalk Sales July 21-23 Rooftop Movie Series
summerofthearts.org summerofthearts.org summerofthearts.org downtowniowacity.com downtowniowacity.com icFilmScene.org
Friday Night Concert Series August 5, 12,19, 26 Saturday Free Movie Series August 6, 13, 20 Sunset Salsa August 13 Taste of Iowa City August 24 Rooftop Movie Series
summerofthearts.org summerofthearts.org downtowniowacity.com downtowniowacity.com icFilmScene.org
Friday Night Concert Series September 2, 9 Sunset Salsa September 10 Northside Oktoberfest September 24 Rooftop Movie Series
summerofthearts.org downtowniowacity.com downtowniowacity.com icFilmScene.org
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Thank you
for the privilege of fulfilling the vision needs of this wonderful community for 60 YEARS!
Al McDonald (founder) and wife Mary.
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John McDonald and Don McDonald 2nd generation Reid McDonald (3rd generation) with John and Linda McDonald 1614 Sycamore St • Iowa City • 319-337-3737
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16 S. Clinton St. • Iowa City • 319-3374995 Spring/Summer 2016
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Supporting arts, fashion and culture in downtown Iowa City since 1854.
109 East Washington Street Downtown Iowa City 319-351-0333 800-728-2888 www.handsjewelers.com facebook.com/Hands JewelersIC @handsjewelers