IC Downtown District Announces “Back to Dubuque Street” Celebration

The Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD), in collaboration with Dubuque Street businesses, the City of Iowa City and Portzen Construction, will host a “Back to Dubuque Street” celebration on Thursday, October 24th. The event marks the completion of significant streetscape improvements and recognizes local businesses that remained operational during the construction months, according to a news release from ICDD.

The community block party will take place on Dubuque Street, which will be closed to traffic. Activities include live entertainment, food and drink specials, and the opportunity to shop local businesses from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Outdoor seating is available throughout the day.

The event offers residents the opportunity to experience the upgrades made to Dubuque Street and support the businesses that have weathered the disruption caused by the construction. Retail stores will set up street displays throughout the afternoon and restaurants will offer outdoor dining. Evening entertainment includes performances by local bands and a BINGO event hosted by Micky's Irish Pub where participants can win prizes.

Participating restaurants:

• Pullman Bar & Diner
• Mickey's Irish Pub
• Dead wood
• What cum
• Dublin subway
• Sports column
• Masala
• Nodo
• Z'mariks

Participating retailers:

• Dulcinea
• The store
• Catherine's
• 223 Baby Co
• Prairie Lights Bookstore

“The businesses on Dubuque Street have demonstrated incredible resilience throughout this project, and we are excited to come together as a community to celebrate their commitment and the transformation of the street,” said Christopher Hunter, ICDD marketing director, in the release. “This mini block party is a chance for residents and visitors to experience the new improvements, celebrate the end of construction and reconnect with their favorite businesses in the heart of downtown.”

The Dubuque Street Reconstruction Project is part of Iowa City's Downtown Streetscape Update Plan. The project, which modernized infrastructure and improved pedestrian access, included upgrading sidewalks, storm and sewer systems, bike racks and streetscape features. On August 30, the street was fully reopened to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. While work is underway on lighting installations and alley improvements, major construction along Dubuque Street between Iowa Avenue and Washington Street is complete.

“We are pleased to complete our third major downtown streetscape project in the last decade,” Scott Sovers, deputy city engineer, said in the release. “Everyone involved – including Portzen Construction, the Iowa City Downtown District, city staff and all affected businesses – contributed significantly to the success of this project. I would encourage the public to come downtown, check out the newly constructed improvements and support local businesses.”