Once a key commuter route and historic arterial for early transportation in the region, Coralville’s 5th Street has evolved into a vibrant destination full of local businesses, civic spaces, and walkable charm. No longer just a pass-through, it is now a place where community, history, and opportunity intersect, making it the ideal focus for Greater IC’s Strategic Investment District charrette process.
This collaborative planning process, lead by local architecture firms Neumann Monson and Natalie Ramirez Architecture + Impact Collaborative, is helping shape what’s next for 5th Street by engaging residents, business owners, and professionals in a shared vision grounded in both data and lived experience. MidWestOne Bank, Hills Bank, and GreenState Credit Union have also committed their support to this new place-based economic development initiative, recognizing its collaborative planning efforts and community-focused goals for businesses and residents throughout all three neighborhoods.
What’s Happened So Far? Community at the Core
In June, the charrette process officially launched, inviting Coralville residents, city leaders, business owners, and professionals to join and reimagine 5th Street together. It kicked off with a neighborhood meeting at Pat and Fran’s Irish Pub. At this casual meeting, the conversations were lively and the ideas were bold. Locals marked maps, explored idea boards, and shared stories about what makes 5th Street special, and, what could make it even better.
That early energy flowed directly into the two-day charrette, hosted fittingly in Coralville’s historic Old Town Hall. Day one began with a look back, as the Johnson County Historical Society led a deep dive into the street’s storied past. After that presentation, there was a question on everyone’s mind: how do we preserve 5th Street’s distinctive character while also preparing it for the future of today’s development practices?
Armed with historical context, the group turned to the present. Presentations on business mix, housing, demographics, transportation, and land use grounded the discussion in real data. Then, participants hit the pavement (literally). The group walked the district to observe how it looks, feels, and functions. Sidewalks, trail networks, housing stock, and development opportunities all came into focus.
By day two, the group was ready to move beyond the past and present and look ahead. Ideas flowed from big-picture visions to smaller, actionable wins. Drawing sessions, SWOT analyses, and open dialogue helped shape a shared vision of what 5th Street could become. And while everyone brought their own perspective, one thing united the room: a strong sense of optimism for what lies ahead.
Why 5th Street? A Historic Hub with Present Day Potential
Today, 5th Street is far more than a connector – it is a hub of community life. With a mix of local businesses serving diverse populations, civic institutions like the Coralville Public Library and Performing Arts Center, and a growing pedestrian network make it a place where people want to spend their time. Just to the north, a vibrant residential neighborhood represents one of Johnson County’s most ethnically diverse areas. It’s a district rich in character and ripe with opportunity. The 5th Street Strategic Investment District is a place where investment in public space, business vitality, and neighborhood life can make a lasting impact.
What’s Next? From Vision to Action
In early August, the 5th Street team will regroup to refine the ideas developed in June. This time, they’ll be joined by community partners and subject matter experts focused on walkability, bikeability, accessibility, and affordability—ensuring the plan reflects the full range of community needs. These sessions will be powered by the Community Foundation of Johnson County.
A final district plan will be unveiled in November at Greater IC’s annual meeting, alongside plans for the Sycamore and Cherry Street Strategic Investment Districts. These plans aren’t just lofty goals; they are blueprints for real change. The final plans will help guide investment, infrastructure upgrades, and inclusive development in the years ahead.
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