ANNUAL REPORT INCLUDING:
JANUARY JUNE 30th
2019 • 2020
Dear Friends and Supporters -Welcome to our Czech Village New Bohemia District Annual Report. And, although I wish we were sharing our progress over a delicious lunch, I’m very proud of our staff and board teams as they’ve worked to keep adapting to changes necessary to fight COVID 19. These adaptations have helped us continue to serve the historic neighborhoods of this District. This annual report covers 2019 and up to June 30 in 2020. Inside you’ll get an idea of the kind of work our organization does in a “normal” year as well as how we pivoted to make a difference during COVID 19 and the Derecho. We look forward to continuing our work in 2021 to keep the District vibrant, unique and evolving. Thanks for your support -Don Barrigar President of the Board Czech Village New Bohemia District
2020 Board of Directors Don Barrigar • President • Owner Acme Electric Co Adam Ebert •Vice President • Owner Ebert Honey Jeff Morrow • Secretary • President, Anderson-Bogert Engineers Taylor Bergen • Treasurer • Local Dwelings, Coldwell Banker Hedges Joan Gray • Business Support Chair • Co-Owner NewBo Shops at 208 Jessica Johnson • Programming Chair • Development Director Center Sphere Bethany Jordan • Architect at Martin Gardner Architecture Jim Miller • Vice President National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library Kathi Nelsen • Financial Associate, World Trend Financial Jennifer Pratt • Director of Community Development & Planning at City of CR Lisa Ratigan • VP of Marketing & Communications Imon Communications Ashley Rodemeyer • Branch Manager Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Julie Stow • Director of Meetings & Conventions Cedar Rapids Tourism Chris Wand • Lead Architect at Primus Construction 2
Hello and thank you for tuning in to our annual report.
We began our work as co-executive directors in April of 2019. Abby works directly with our District’s nearly 200 organizations and taps into the assistance of the award-winning State and National Main Street programs while Monica leads strategic planning direction for the board, and is building a larger level of support and engagement with entities inside and outside the District. Together, we worked with numerous organizations to secure over $100,000 for buildings and promotions in the District; increased the financial support of our organization by over 300%; increased the followers of our weekly e-newsletter by 100%; and quickly responded when COVID hit -changing delivery of our services and helping our businesses and nonprofits sell their products online with delivery and curbside pickup. On behalf of Barb Thompson, our talented graphic designer and marketing coordinator, we thank you for your support of our organization. Best regards for the remainder of 2020! Abby Huff, Executive Director of Main Street Monica Vernon, Executive Director of Strategic Development
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INITIATIVES + ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Showcased available District spaces & local start-up businesses in 3 Pop-Up Shops
2019
• Hosted business grant oppourtunity Open 4 Business • Attracted over 500 shoppers to annual Cider Sip & Shop • Celebrated one DECADE of Cedar Rapids Main Street in May 2019 during Houby Days • Earned Little Village CRANDIC Awards Best Tourist Attraction: Czech Village/New Bohemia District Best Neighborhood on the Rise: Czech Village • Hosted Meet & Greets for new businesses: Rodina, BoMacs, Moss, & Robert Half • Doubled Holiday Guide distribution to 2,000 magazines, and printed more District Directory Brochures • Collaborated with Linn County Main Streets, and Cedar Rapids Tourism on local advertisements • • Beefed up weekly District e-Newsletter with more information to over 2,000 readers • Built collaborations with the City of Cedar Rapids on safety, flood protection, events, housing, and economic and land development
WON $ 75 CHALL ,000 MAIN S TREET ENGE IOWA G for the restora RANT Challe tion an n ge Gran of the 1 d im 95 t Czech V 1 Quonset hut provements illage a lo c a ted nd own Family ed by th in the with ho e pes for studio a glassb Joens in lowing Ceramic collaboration wit s Nation Center & Glas h the iowa al Czec h and S s Studio and t he lovak M useum
HELD 1S ON TH T DINNER E Largest BRIDGE Fundra ise in Ceda r Rapid r s Main Street h ist 435 peo ory. Hosted ple for a meal the 16th on A showca venue Bridge , sing the a and loc al talen mbiance ts o commu nity me f our mbers
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INITIATIVES + ACCOMPLISHMENTS JAN-JUNE
2020
• Held Land Development Meeting and presented to 60 local developers, builders and others interested in CR’s Area Action Plan and future building opportunities for the Czech Village and New Bohemia District. Follow up one on one meetings continue • Attracted over 200 shoppers into retail and restaurants during crucial first quarter during Love Your Local Retail Event • Showcased talents and flavors of local restuarants to over 300 attendees at Mac ‘n’ Cheese Cook Off Fundraiser
• Design Committee spearheaded badly needed update of District property inventory • Shive Hattery Building Impovement Grant went to Aroma Artisan Pizza and Lu’s Deli for improved signage • Welcomed 10 new businesses to the District • Assisted Almost Famous Popcorn Co. as they won the semi-finals in the Main Street Iowa Open 4 Business Competition. The $8,000 will go towards improving store displays • Communicated Bridge of the Lions closure information for flood gate construction 6
COVID RESPONSE • Helped District businesses in securing over $360,000 of financial assistance, waiting for total tally for non-profits and those affected by proclamation related closures • Communicated regularly with District organizations on up to the minute and pertinent information regarding proclamations & safety • Worked to keep District viable by posting weekly updates of hours, openings, and different ways to support District organizations online, curbside, and delivery • Promoted local shopping in unique ways: online bingo game, gift basket programs, loveyourlocaliowa.com website, encouraged (local love) window displays throughout the District • Distributed $15,000 in forgivable loans for District business owners during COVID
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ANNUAL REPORT SPONSORS
TABLE SUPPORTERS The City of Cedar Rapids Lijun and David Chadima 8
Acme Electric Company Julie Stow
Robert Chadima acquired the historic Cherry Building in 1976 to house his welding and industrial supply business. From the outset, he made loft studio spaces in the building available to local artists. Along the way, his vision became repurposing the Cherry Building as an incubator for entrepreneurs and artists. A passion for creativity was the common denominator between Chadima and his renters. Back then, 3rd St. SE was known as a “brown field,” not “New Bohemia.” It was a proud old ethnic neighborhood with good bones, but definitely in a severe state of decline. “Vision” means having the ability to see beyond what is before your eyes and imagine what else can transpire. In the early 2000s, Chadima’s vision began to spread beyond the Cherry Building. People began to invest in the potential of the neighborhood. They focused on restoring the historic architecture and resurrecting the vibrancy of the Czech Village and New Bohemia neighborhoods to their former glory. These efforts were nearly derailed by the flood of 2008. The Cherry Building, CSPS Hall, the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library and virtually all the historic buildings in the District received catastrophic flood damage. Even though Chadima was well into his 80s by this time, his indomitable spirit and commitment to the vision helped him persevere and pave the way for a “post-flood Renaissance.” The post-flood recovery was a catalyst for the development of the entire district and a great source of pride for Chadima. We are honored to give the Robert Chadima Visionary Award to these outstanding recipients on the following pages.
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ROBERT CHADIMA VISIONARY
• AWARD WINNER 2019•
JOHN SCHWARZKOPF John grew up in Stuart, IA, just west of Des Moines on Interstate 80. He holds degrees in Anthropology and Philosophy from ISU. John is a talented wood worker whose work has been recognized throughout the region. John lived in Iowa City before moving to Cedar Rapids in 1980. He has worked in New Bohemia since the early 1990s. He remembers 1970s New Bohemia as Bohemie-town. “It was an industrial neighborhood of warehouses, bars, various businesses, and factory housing and somewhat seedy,” says John, “I watched it gradually change as artists -- attracted to cheap rent -- worked with understanding landlords and started opening studios and performance venues in vacant spaces.” At one point, after he had been a regular visitor to the Cherry Building, Bob Chadima invited John to set up his shop there. After the flood, John took him up on the offer. He’s been there ever since. According to John, “The 2008 flood was both a disaster and a new opportunity to make things better. Industriousness won out. The neighborhood came back new and improved because the locals had a passion to succeed. This only happens organically as a result of the personalities of its occupants.” John has long immersed himself in his woodwork and in the arts in New Bohemia. John cut panels for the first 2X2XU event and still does. He’s been involved with the NewBo Art Fest, set up a separate sculpture show as part of the festival and has helped out Legion Arts and the Iowa Ceramics Center with various projects. He worked with Anne Stamats to re-create the city art walk. John is now working to make the First Thursday Art Walk events more inclusive. “(We’re) demonstrating that the quality of art here is equal to that you might find in a much larger city,” says John proudly. Although he can be unassuming, John is a key player in keeping New Bohemia bohemian. His goal is “to move forward without losing what we’ve worked so hard to create and maintain. The main influence here should be the arts.” John also hopes people will continue to visit the museums and unique retailers in the area and see how much there is to offer in the New Bohemia neighborhood. “It’s big city energy in a compact neighborhood,” says John. “There are lots of interesting characters here who manage to work together. We support one another.” 10
ROBERT CHADIMA VISIONARY
• AWARD WINNER 2019•
DAN BALDWIN
Dan Baldwin was born in Keokuk, graduated from high school in Manchester and holds a BA from the U of I. He became Executive Director of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in 1996. Soon after arriving at the NCSML, Dan learned about the settlement of Czechs in Cedar Rapids. He remembered New Bohemia being called the South End. The abandoned Iowa Iron and Iowa Steel plants were still there, and he saw the area offered a great opportunity for revitalization. The challenge was how to get it moving. “The South Side Policy Council really helped get people thinking. Bob Chadima was a real force in imagining what the area could be. The Chamber’s Fifteen In Five included development of New Bohemia. And, when the neighborhood was devastated by the 2008 flood, there was already good planning in place.” Dan’s vision was to turn NCSML into a true national museum implementing an international mission. Part of the formula for success was to not only enhance Czech Village and New Bohemia, but to engage locals in a greater appreciation of the history of these neighborhoods. Building on the considerable pride of museum patrons and cultivating awareness among a new audience could bring energy and possible redevelopment of the area. He’s especially proud of bringing the exhibit: A Thousand Years of Czech Culture to the NCSML. It consisted entirely of artifacts from the National Museum in Prague (the Smithsonian of the Czech Republic). “We were a scrappy group at the NCSML, and the exhibit was at the limits of what we could accomplish, but it was a huge success. It was the first big step in helping make the NCSML a truly national museum and a point of pride for Cedar Rapids.” As Dan thinks about the South End, “I would like visitors to enjoy all the amenities while also appreciating the history. The Czech heritage is very rich and has had a great impact on Cedar Rapids. My guess is most CR residents don’t know how famous the NCSML is across the nation and in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.” Dan moved to Monterrey CA but still feels very connected to Cedar Rapids. “When I moved in 2010 it was underway, but it’s remarkable to come back and see the progress as of today,” says Dan. 11
Main Street Iowa Awards 2019 • GAME CHANGER AWARD • Activities that impacted the District in a striking and powerful manner.
MARY KAY MCGRATH RENOVATION OF CZECH VILLAGE PROPERTIES It takes a Village or, maybe, just a strong woman with a passion for her community. Mary Kay McGrath is a true game changer. She is the winner of one of Main Street Iowa’s most coveted awards. We’re so proud that our state organization has recognized what we have seen all along. . . Mary Kay Novak McGrath grew up near Czech Village, her parents were business owners in the area and the Novak name is still known in the Village. After years in her family car business, she decided to reinvest in the neighborhood of her childhood memories. And Czech Village is the better for it! At the time, Barron Stark owned nine properties in the Village. Mary Kay heard Stark was looking to sell. She approached him, looking to purchase two or three properties. Stark told her he would only sell if she purchased all the properties. So Mary Kay made a deal. And, in May of 2018, she became the owner of nine properties in Czech Village. . . It was time to get to work. She had buildings to fix – six roofs in the first year! Many of the buildings got new windows, several have received new doors, and nearly everything got a fresh coat of paint. Café St. Pio had a masterpiece of a tin ceiling beautifully repaired. Mary Kay also tackled a sewer water backup that had affected the basement of one of her tenants after holes had been illegally drilled into sewer lines. The tenant said having a dry basement meant everything to her. At the time of purchase, five commercial spaces and four apartments were vacant and one had squatters. Today, only one property is available for rent and one property still needs restoration. But Mary Kay didn’t recruit just any businesses. She thoughtfully considered what combination of offerings the Village needed. And, then carefully handpicked seven new businesses, created two beautiful airbnbs, and welcomed six new apartment residents. At the beginning of 2019, the owners of “Moss,” a plant and gift store, approached Mary Kay. They wanted to buy a building in the District and they saw Czech Village was having a Renaissance. After hearing the Moss owners’ vision for the building, Mary Kay agreed to sell them 74 16th Ave. Today the store is thriving. 12
Mary Kay has invested in the District outside of her buildings. She started an angel wing public art campaign and to-date there are six pairs of wings around Czech Village. At any time of day or night visitors will see people taking pictures in front of those angel wings. She serves on the board of the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library, on the CVNB SSMID commission, and has planted grass and added planters wherever she saw the need. Most important, though, is the caring, personal touch that she brings to everything she does. In the first few months of owning the buildings, Mary Kay ordered mugs that said: It Takes a Village. She filled them with candy and went door to door introducing herself. Merchants up and down 16th Ave SW were immediately impressed. It didn’t matter whether they were in her buildings or not. Mary Kay cared about all of them. Two years later she is still hard at it. The District has new life because of Mary Kay Novak McGrath and we are all better for her efforts! Mary Kay’s Properties were also nominated for EXCELLENT EXTERIOR REHAB (72 16th Ave) & OUTSTANDING RESIDENTIAL PROJECT (apartment 99 ½).
Main Street Iowa Local Nominations BEST BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT • Giant Cherry • Inspired by the name J.G. Cherry. David & Lijun Chadima dedicated a giant Cherry Sculpture on the 11th Ave side of the Cherry Building in 2019. BUSINESS OF THE YEAR • Next Page Books • Owned by Bart Carithers, Next Page Books is not only a bookstore but it is a community gathering space and an escape for everyday life. TERRIFIC TOTAL BUILDING REHABILITATION • MOSS • Anne & Alan Armitage untertook the historic building rehabilitation of 74 16th Ave and transformed the space into a tranquil environment.
Thank you to all of our supporters DISTRICT PARTNERS ACME Electric Company Alliant Energy Corporation Anderson-Bogert Bank Iowa Banker’s Trust Bradley and Riley Law Firm Cargill Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust David and Lijun Chadima HBK Engineering Hills Bank ImOn Communications
Ingredion Iowa Brewing Company The Kernels Foundation Nelson Trucking NXT Bank OPN Architects Papich-Kuba Funeral Service Rinderknecht Associates Inc. Shive-Hattery The Gazette ThinkSafe Van Meter Inc.
DISTRICT FRIENDS Diann & Don Barrigar Robert Becker Taylor Bergen Sheila & Douglas Brakhahn Kristin Clague Lee Clancey Adam Ebert Jack & Nancy Evans Joan & Don Gray Lisa Guge Dr George Hanna Ann Heins Mary Beth & Bob Helgens Dorothy B Hinman Jessica Johnson Bethany Jordan Dr Richard & Nikki Kettelkamp Christy Kintzel Dr Whelan & Laura Koontz Scott Kruger Janelle & George McClain Elaine & Jim Miller Dr Ron & Sandy Miller
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Liz & Matt Mitchell Cheryle & Frank Mitvalsky Ellen & Jeff Morrow Kathi Nelson Esther & William O’Donnell Majda & Tyler Olson Jennifer Pratt Lisa & Marc Rhatigan Ashley Rodemeyer Tom & Kathy Petersen Drs Robert Petrick & Cecilia Rokusek Charlie Rohde Cindy & Paul Sale Cathy Sneller Julie Stow Alissa Swanstrom Carolyn & Dan Thies Lisa & Greg Thirnbeck Brad Tucker Chris Wand Dr David & Carol Wolf Candy Wong Sandy & Brandt Worley
We’d love to count you among our Partners or our Friends. Please email Monica@crmainstreet.org
2019 DISTRICT PERKS: FEATURED BUSINESSES
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS African American Museum of Iowa National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library NewBo City Market The Cherry Building FOOD & BEVERAGE Almost Famous Popcorn Co. Aroma Artisan Pizza Brewhemia Caucho Della Viti Fong’s Pizza Gnarly Pepper Lion Bridge Brewing Co. Lu’s Deli Melting Bite Parlor City Pub & Eatery Pinoy Cafe Rodina Smoke’n BBQ Pitts The Sausage Foundry STAY AWHILE... Historical Herda House NewBo Cottage The Heart House VENUE RENTAL African American Museum of Iowa Ideal Social Hall National Czech & Slovak Musem & Library NewBo City Market
HEALTH & BEAUTY Health Hut Illuminations SkinRock Massage+Sugaring PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Ideal Social Hall Jelenik Leasing Kingfisher Technologies LA Eddins Design McNary Marketing & Design Office Evolution Papich Kuba Funeral Service Robert Half The Dostal House
SPECIALTY SHOPS Corner Store Apothecary Czech Cottage Czech Village Antiques Eduskate Found+Formed Harlequin Home iowa Ceramics Center & Glass Studio Lori Ann’s Candies Moss NewBo Shops at 208 Next Page Books RAYGUN Rise Above Leathers Soko Outfitters The Artisan’s Emporium -233-1 The Create/Exchange The DAISY 15
Looking Ahead
2021
January
Meet + Greet in New Bohemia
February
Love Your Local Retail Event
March
Meet +Greet in Czech Village
April
Annual Meeting
May
Trashmore Challenge (May-Oct)
June
Tiki Tour Retail Event
July
Meet + Greet in New Bohemia
August
DISTRICT Movie Night
September Dinner on the Bridge October
Meet +Greet in Czech Village Cider Stroll Retail Event Creepy Basement Tour
November Shop Small Saturday December Deck the District Window Wonderland districtczechvillagenewbohemia thedistrict_cedarrapids
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