CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Residents of the Vernon Heights neighborhood in southeast Cedar Rapids offered suggestions to the developer of an apartment complex proposed for the site of the former Buchanan School/Ambroz Recreation Center.
More than 40 neighbors gathered Oct. 16, 2024, at Grant Wood Elementary School for the hour-long meeting led by Steve Emerson, president of architecture and design firm Aspect Inc.
Emerson said changes had been made since the project was reviewed by the Cedar Rapids City Council in April, including placing the building to the front of the property at 2000 Mount Vernon Rd. SE, with 47 underground parking spaces and surface parking for 50 vehicles behind the building.
The apartment complex, which will include approximately 50 one- and two-bedroom units, also was changed from a four-story building to a three-story building. The brick school, built in 1919-1920, as well as the newer addition, will be demolished under Aspect’s plans.
Renderings of the apartment complex were displayed at the meeting on Oct. 16, 2024.
Emerson noted that the project is receiving funding for derecho-replacement housing in Iowa and is not considered “low-income” housing, with rent at $950 to $1,050 for a single apartment to $1,200 to $1,250 for a two-bedroom.
Some residents noted that the size and design of the proposed complex is out of character with the neighboring single-family homes, some of which are more than a century-old.
“This is a very historic neighborhood,” said Tammy Stines, who lives less than 300 feet from the proposed apartment complex. “I see a very streamlined box” in Aspect’s renderings.
Stines and others suggested architectural details that would make the complex look less like the cookie-cutter apartment buildings popping up throughout Cedar Rapids to make it a better fit for the historic neighborhood.
Craftsman bungalows are among the single-family homes located next to the site. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Jennifer Trembath, who lives next to the proposed site of the apartment building and spread the word about the meeting to her neighbors, suggested a rooftop garden or community room so the apartment residents could feel a sense of community.
“We want this to fit with our community and for the people there to feel like a part of the community,” she said.
Others questioned how the apartment complex would impact traffic on the narrow streets and the effects of lighting from the parking lot. Emerson said a traffic study will be conducted when a rezoning request is made and lighting is controlled by city ordinance.
Rick Titus, who lives near the proposed complex, asked what the developer could do regarding sidewalks beyond the development, for the safety of those walking in the area.
Emerson said sidewalks will be included in the project, but Titus said because the project is adding more people to the neighborhood, that more should be done for the neighborhood itself.
Titus said he would have preferred something other than apartments at the long-vacant site, such as a park or single-family homes.
Emerson said a small playground might be considered for the complex.
Read more about the initial proposal.
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That site is not able to support 50 apartments. Crazy! Its like building a skyscraper and overshadowing single story homes! 2 stories max, maybe traditional facade condos. 10, not 50. I went to kindergarten here and lived 2 blocks away. Not appropriate density.
Reminds me of the city meeting on what citizens wanted for fill in in time check. Wanted like housing, no cookie cuter or apts. BUT what did CR do put in row housing and zoned Ellis Blvd for 3 and 4 story buildings so far!!! Will be interesting to see the development of timecheck. Bet it’ll be like New BO. ANY bets??? CR doesn’t care about citizens or property owners just developers. I feel they have more say about our properties then we do!