By Anelia K. Dimitrova
The College Hill area is hopping with noticeable improvements that reignite the vibe in the neighborhood.
A fresh coat of paint on the buildings on the Hill is the latest initiative to spruce up the historic space with new energy.
Once the project is completed in the next few weeks, it will visibly add to the celebratory feel created by the University of Northern Iowa in its buildup to the 150th anniversary milestone of serving the community.
On Friday morning, at the top of the Hill, Joe Ayala, owner of Ayala’s Knockout Painting, prepped the SubCity building for the job.
“This is the first one, and then the Library and then the rest,” he said.
By the end of the day, the off-white worn exterior had disappeared under a solid gray color, giving the building a distinct presence.
Kyle Dehmlow, president of the College Hill Partnership, told me that the painting of the business exteriors on the Hill is part of the ongoing improvement plans. Just a few months ago, lights were installed on the roofs of all of the buildings, adding a welcome warmth to the Hill’s atmosphere.
Further down the street, at 2119 College Street, a mixed-use building is growing daily with expected completion next year.
The city also trimmed or removed trees from the Hill, making it tidier and easier to maintain.
Businesses on the Hill, like the Bing Ladies and OMG! are expanding their food menus. The staple entertainment venue the Octopus is continuing to bring in local bands to enrich the cultural life on the Hill.
And just down the street from the Hill, a fully reimagined Seerley Park with a state-of-the-art playground and a gazebo, is about to have its first big public event on Sunday — a ribbon cutting and a jazz fest.
Aaron Hawbaker, who represents Ward 4, where College Hill is located, said he was pleased with the progress in the College Hill neighborhood.
“I am encouraged by the new development, the work of the College Hill Partnership to promote and beautify the Hill, and by the anchor businesses that provide a model for those looking to occupy the available spaces on the Hill,” Hawbaker told me.
He added that the progress needs to continue in collaboration with the city.
“I will always champion a more robust effort of the city to help in all of these efforts,” he said. “A solid public/private partnership will ensure the successful growth of College Hill.”