WATERLOO (WITH EXCERPTS FROM WCFCOURIER.COM) — A long-planned apartment and commercial building is under way in the heart of downtown Waterloo’s revitalization effort.
It’s been a long time coming for the project originally conceived in 2000 by downtown planning consultant Vandewalle and Associates, whose planners expect potential tenants will be attracted by the Arts Block’s proximity to the Cedar River, RiverLoop Amphitheatre, Waterloo Center for the Arts, SingleSpeed Brewing Co., Young Arena, Cedar Valley SportsPlex, Waterloo Public Library and other downtown attractions.
Otherwise, there’s always the view. “The amphitheater area is beautiful, one of my favorite areas of downtown,” developer Brent Dahlstrom said. “All of the units will have a balcony, and every single unit has a view of the river.”
Contractors are working on the foundation for the seven-story Arts Block, being built in a former parking lot next to the Phelps Youth Pavilion and elevated walkway at the RiverLoop Amphitheatre. Construction should go vertical in November.
The five upper floors will include 70 market rate rental units, which are expected to be ready in approximately 18 months.
