Introduction

Independence Downtown Vision Statement

“A meeting place and the center of community social life with a mix of eateries, retail, cultural and recreational spaces.”

The City of Independence, Iowa is a growing community with small town appeal and many conveniences of a larger city, much of this attributing to the downtown area. The estimated 2018 population was 6,073. Independence is located in Northeast Iowa off of Highway 20 and is within easy driving distance of Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids. The City is bisected by the Wapsipinicon River. The downtown is located on both sides of the river which provides scenic views.

Independence’s downtown central business area is located in the heart of the community and has historically been the economic hub of the city. Today, the downtown is at a turning point as Independence continues to grow. The City has done previous efforts for continuous investment in the downtown. The intent of the Revitalization Plan for Downtown Independence is to focus on expanding those previous efforts to improve business opportunities, attract additional amenities, and improve aesthetics as the area continues to attract residential growth, commercial investment, strategic employers, institutional assets and retail development.

Ultimately, this document is a “living guide” to continually assist the City of Independence and other partner entities as they move forward with development and improvements within Downtown Independence. The plan represents the City’s best effort to address current issues and anticipate future needs as it relates to the downtown; however, it can and should be amended from time to time, if conditions warrant.

Within this document you will find:

• Collaboration with the community and stakeholders • A unified vision and goals for revitalizing Downtown Independence • Economic trends and growth potential • Recommended policies to support retail growth, attract more amenities, reinvest in properties, create walkable livable spaces, and implementation of collaborative ideas and public/private partnerships • A strategy which identifies projects, champions and potential funding sources