Rendition of the entry to the NewBo market.
The Vision Iowa Board today awarded money to projects in Cedar Rapids and Rippey. Board spokesperson Jessica O’Riley says the project in Cedar Rapids involves a large public market.
“The NewBo City Market includes the renovation of an entire city block into a year-round, indoor/outdoor public market. The two existing buildings are being renovated into indoor usable space. The other components include a market yard, a market square and an outdoor play area,” O’Riley said.
The Vision Iowa funding is contingent upon backers of the NewBo City Market completing its capital campaign in the next 150 days.
The total project cost is just under $5.5 million. The Vision Iowa award is for $750,000.
The market is located in Cedar Rapids’ New Bohemia neighborhood, which was badly damaged by the 2008 flood. The town of Rippey, located in Greene County, was awarded $28,500 for the renovation of an old Masonic Lodge building into a library and community room.
O’Riley said the building is being expanded by 600 square feet. The total project cost is just under $150,000.