All posts in “Head to the Hill”

Draft Of Imagine College Hill Vision Plan Ready for Public Feedback

 
 
The Draft Imagine College Hill Vision Plan is ready to review! Based on extensive public input gathered over the last nine months, including the Public Kick-Off events, numerous focus group discussions and interviews with community stakeholders, and the week-long Virtual Design Charrette the City held this past October, the plan will provide a framework for future growth and development on College Hill and nearby neighborhoods. All members of the public are welcome to download and review the draft.
We encourage you to review the plan by going to the draft College Hill Vision Plan and watching the presentation and downloading the pdf.  After you have time to review the draft vision plan we hope you will take some time to fill out the survey which also can be found here College Hill Draft Vision Plan.
Please feel free to reach out to the CHP with any questions or comments! collegehillpartnership@gmail.com.
Thank you all for everything you do for the Hill and your continued support in making our community a better place to live work and play.

Conversations about the feedback about the current draft will start at the Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting on March 10th at 5:30pm.

Details on how to participate can be found HERE.  If you were unable to comment via survey you can still communicate your feedback to the planner heading up the project Michelle Pezley.  Click HERE to send her an email.

 

41st Annual College Hill Arts Festival — June 21-22nd

41st Annual College Hill Arts Festival

Friday, June 21st & Saturday, June 22nd

Head to the Hill for the 41st Annual College Hill Arts Festival on the corner of College Street and West 23rd Street in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd view artwork from 75 Artists.  Artists come from far and wide to display their ceramics, fibers, glassware, graphics, jewelry, paintings,  sculptures, and more.  Special musical performances during the entire festival.

Stay On the Hill

Local favorite La Calle Food Truck will be present along with many other local food vendors, and community clubs serving delicious foods.  Make a day out of heading up to the Hill and enjoy everything from a cup of Sidecar Coffee or a donut from Icon Donuts in the morning to all of the nightlife College Hill has to offer.

Check out the amazing selection of beers at our local bars such as Octopus, The Library, and Social House.  Want to rest your feet?  And you can take a break and grab something to eat in the newly rennovated Other Place or grab a smoothie to go at the Smoothie Bar, The Shakery or looking for something else sweet check out Insomnia Cookies.

Award Winning Festival

“The College Hill Arts Festival has been named to Sunshine Artist magazine’s list of ‘100 Best Fine Arts & Design Shows’ in the United States for nearly the last decade. Gary Kelley’s Festival posters have won many National contests and awards. In addition, the College Hill Arts Festival was named the “2006 Event of the Year” by the Cedar Valley Tourism Bureaus.”

More Details

For more information including all artists attending please head to the College Hill Arts Festival’s Website.

We hope to see you at the 41st Annual College Hill Arts Festival June 21th-22nd.

Times for CHAF:

  • June 21st, 12-8 pm
  • June 22nd: 10-5 pm

Head to the College Hill Arts Festival no ticket required.  Parking around College Hill is free.  Handicapped parking is located in UNI lot East of Bartlett Hall near the food vendors at the Festival.

NEW Shoe Store Opens on College Hill in Cedar Falls, Iowa

NEW Shoe Store Opens on College Hill in Cedar Falls, Iowa

January 11th marked the opening day for one of the newest businesses on College Hill in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  Price Check Kicks opened their doors with a Grand Opening celebration.  The opening was complete with snacks, balloons and the perfect pair of shoes for all of you sneaker fanatics.  They are located on West 23rd Street right between Marsala Market and Icon Donuts and Sweetery.

We headed in on opening day to check out the selection and meet the staff.  Walking into the store we were greeted by customers and staff alike which isn’t surprising in a laid back professional atmosphere.  After looking through their selection of everything including Nike, YEEZY, Jordan’s and more we headed back to their lounge area where we found some customers enjoying some snacks and shooting some hoops in their relaxing lounge area.  This store like many of the College Hill Businesses offers a place for their customers to have an experience not just a place to buy shoes.

 

Price Check Kicks on College Hill in Cedar Falls doesn’t just sell shoes they buy, trade, and clean shoes. They even have consignment. They have also added vintage jerseys.  We really love their logo tees and sweatshirts that ask  “What’s your Price?” on the front with their logo on the back.

If you like to be in the latest style shoes we think you should head into Price Check Kicks.  They are located at 915 West 23rd Street on College Hill in Cedar Falls.  Head in Tuesday –Thursday 11-7pm Friday & Saturday 12-8pm.  Check them out on Facebook or Instagram too.

10 Highlights from the Past Year on College Hill

Perfect Way to Ring in 2019:  10 Highlights from the Past Year on College Hill

 

  1. Oktoberfest on the Hill

Held right after Mohair Pear’s Outdoor Indie Fair: Pear Fair the College Hill Partnership hosted our College Hill Oktoberfest event.  With the help of our volunteers, sponsors, and the Marketing and Promotions Committee, we were able to put on our 3rd Annual Oktoberfest.  With yard games, Chad’s Pizza sponsored beard contest, SingleSpeed Brews, and La Calle food selection our Third Annual Oktoberfest was a hit.  We look forward to continuing this event in September of 2019.

  1. The Opening of Greenhouse Kitchen & The Shakery Smoothie Bar

The College Hill Partnership is always excited to see new businesses fill the storefronts of College Street and West 23rd Street.  We were excited to see Greenhouse Kitchen open in March of this year at 917 West 23rd Street.  When you head into Greenhouse kitchen you can expect great service from a wonderful staff, fresh locally grown foods, and clean eating dishes.  Whether you choose a wrap, salad, or soup you know you are getting wholesome ingredients that can be customized for any preference or diet.  Check out all their protein-filled, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.  For more details head over to their website.

In addition to Greenhouse Kitchen, we were excited to see the opening of The Shakery Smoothie Bar in May at 2125 College Street.  Locally owned by a 22-year-old entrepreneur, The Shakery offers smoothies, yogurt bowls, and protein iced coffees.  Their open layout lets you see how your smoothie is built and customized to fit your needs.  Order from their amazing menu or customize your own smoothie or bowl.  Check them out after your workout for the perfect post-workout meal or snack.  For more details check them out on Facebook.

 

  1. Welcome Week Panther Block Pawty

The College Hill Partnership can’t wait to see new students start out their college careers at what we believe is the best University (yeah we might be a bit bias).  We were fortunate to share our welcome week event the Panther Block Pawty with UNI now, and Community Main Street.  We believe putting our best foot forward and showing new UNI students that Cedar Falls has plenty to offer besides class and studying.  The Hill hosted our first King of the Hill Pizza Contest having the over 500 new UNI students rank pizzas from Chad’s Pizza, Kwik Star, Dominoes, and $5 Pizza to see who would come out on top.  We were honored to give the trophy out to Chad’s Pizza after such a close contest.  Hungry for pizza?  Well, the Hill has you covered.  Check out one of the following places for a hot slice today!  Details in the links below.

Chad’s Pizza

Kwik Star

Dominos

The Other Place

  1. Opening Day College Hill Farmers’ Market & Homecoming Week Panther Theme CHFM

In collaboration with the College Hill Farmers’ Market and the City of Cedar Falls, we worked to close College Street down for three farmers’ markets this summer.  By closing the street we had the small parking lot just North of Octopus open.  Having this open provides more parking for College Hill during the market.  It also provides a larger space for the market to increase their number of vendors.  We had wonderful turnouts for our Kids Day, the Homecoming Panther Themed market (complete with TC Panther), and our Opening Day Farmers’ Markets.

Kick-off Market

Our kick-off market was great as we were also abel to partner with our local Americorp divison.  In cooperation with Americorps, we were also able to support rainwater sustainability efforts.  We were able to do this by hosting the creation and auction of several rain barrels.  These barrels were purchased by local residents and installed at their homes by Americorp workers.

We’d Love your Feedback:

We would love to hear your feedback if you attended these street markets or any College Hill Farmers Markets as we are always looking to improve the ease of use, atmosphere, and selection at the farmers’ market.  We hope to continue the tradition of closing College Street for special farmers’ market during the CHFM season.  Remember the College Hill Farmers’ Market runs from June to October each year.  You can find more details about the CHFM on their Facebook page.

 

  1. Holiday Tree Lighting & Business Window Decorating

We love the Holiday Season, don’t you?  We had a great holiday season this year with many of the College Hill Businesses partaking in our annual window decorating contest.  A close contest again this year with the top slot taken by Sub City on the Hill.  We also want to thank the owners of Sub City, JoDee and Ken Neptune for helping us with our amazing Christmas Tree.  They picked up and delivered our beautiful tree in the patio of Milkbox Bakery and Sharky’s Funhouse just in time for our volunteers to decorate it with lights.

We hosted our tree lighting on December 1st at 7 pm with beautiful music from several members of the CFHS Choir.  We had special events hosted by Milkbox Bakery and Sharky’s Funhouse prior to the lighting.  Head over to Sub City on the Hill the current home of the traveling trophy for best window design, which has moved from Copyworks (winner of last year’s contest).

 

  1. Planning Sessions for Pettersen Plaza & Seerley Park

Pettersen Plaza

Do you know where Seerley Park is located, bet you do.   But do you know where Pettersen Plaza is?  Well if you have been to Kwik Star, Jimmy John’s, or The Hydrant you aren’t far.  There is a small paved pocket park located between The Hydrant and Jimmy John’s building on College Street.  There is a College Hill kiosk, a few trees, some cement benches, and a whole lot of sun in the summer months.  This is Pettersen Plaza, named after longtime Hill staple and advocate for the Arts, Hugh Pettersen. Over the past year a small but mighty group of art enthusiasts, Hugh friends, and the CHP got together to see how this space could be improved in order to make it more usable to the public.  Currently, the committee is reviewing designs and preparing to put them in front of the City Council for approval.

Seerley Park

As for Seerley Park, the CHP hosted a successful public forum at the Hearst Center for the Arts.  We had folks reflect on our public surveys, and questionnaires and develop a formal strategic plan for upgrades to Seerley Park.  If you would like to be involved in either project please contact us via email to join a committee.

 

  1. Annual Neighborhood Picnic in Seerley Park

Dating back to the days of the College Hill Neighborhood Association our Annual Neighborhood Picnic is one of our longest running traditions.  This year held in Seerley Park with music, games, and great food we celebrated the neighborhood with our annual picnic.  We are hoping we will encourage more neighbors to come attend in the upcoming years.  Picnic is held towards end of Summer or early Fall.

  1. Hill-ebration of Thanks

Another old event with a new twist.  The Hill-ebration of Thanks was a great success offering College Hill Businesses a chance to show their gratitude to their customers.  Offering discounts, promotions, and live music each business showed their appreciation to all their customers by offering something special to them for one day only.  On April 21st, Sidecar Coffee, The Razor’s Edge, Mohair Pear, The Library, Sharky’s, Octopus, Subcity, Chad’s Pizza, Balance Hot Yoga, and Limited Edition Comics all participated in the event.  There is always so much to be grateful for especially in a community like ours.  We can’t wait until our next customer appreciation event on the Hill.

 

  1. 12 Days of Hill-iday Cheer

The College Hill Partnership wanted to try something new this Holiday season and reward Hill customers with special deals from their favorite College Hill Businesses.  So, we did a play on the 12 Days of Christmas and hosted our 12 Days of Hill-iday Cheer.  Each day from December 3rd through the 14th businesses offered one special event or promotion.  Ten businesses participated and gave away everything from 15% off your purchase to discounts on College Hill Gift Certificates.  We want to thank the following College Hill businesses for making this event possible:

The Shakery Smoothie Bar

Sub City on the Hill

Milkbox Bakery

Copyworks

Third Eye Tattoo

Chad’s Pizza

Balance Hot Yoga

College Hill Partnership

The Other Place on College Hill

Hill Street News and Tobacco

 

  1. 40th Anniversary of College Hill Arts Festival

One of the highlights of every summer is the College Hill Arts Festival.  Bringing in artists from all over the country the College Hill Arts Festival is not the only staple of the summer on College Hill but a renowned event throughout the Midwest.  We enjoyed meeting new guests, amazing artists, and seeing old friends come by our booth at the Arts Festival.  We look forward to the 41st year of the College Hill Arts Festival this coming summer.

 

 

Thank you

2018 was a great year and we have big plans for 2019.  The College Hill Partnership is hoping you will join us in 2019 whether it be attending an event, enjoying one of the public spaces, serving on a committee, running for office as a board member, or heading up to the Hill to eat, shop, and play. Thank you all for a great year we look forward to 2019 and the years to come.

 

Annual College Hill Tree Lighting 2018

Annual College Hill Tree Lighting 2018

Join us for our annual tree Holiday tree lighting. Meet us in Sharky’s & Milkbox patio for music and a tree lighting.  A big thanks to JoDee from Subcity in helping us get the perfect tree for this Holiday Season.  We are excited to have some Cedar Falls students sing some holiday carols for us prior to lighting the tree.  Make sure you bundle up and bring a friend.

Tree will be lit a 7pm stay tuned for exciting events to follow at your favorite College Hill establishments.

  • Head over to Sharky’s to warm up before the lighting for Eggnog and Hot Chocolate
  • Head into Milkbox for a festive holiday celebration after the lighting

    And don’t forget to join us Dec 3-14th for our 12 Days of Hill-iday Cheer. Each day one College Hill business will be hosting a special event, promo, or special just for you during this holiday season. Thanks to the participating businesses: The Shakery, Mohair Pear, Copyworks, Subcity, The OP on College Hill, College Hill Partnership, Hill Street News and Tobacco, Balance Hot Yoga, Chad’s Pizza

 

40th Anniversary of College Hill Arts Festival — June 15-16th

40th Annual College Hill Arts Festival

Head to the Hill for the 40th Anniversary of the College Hill Arts Festival on the corner of College Street and West 23rd Street in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  June 15th and 16th view artwork from 75 Artists.  Artists come from far and wide to display their ceramics, fibers, glassware, graphics, jewelry, paintings,  sculptures, and more.  Special performances on Saturday by Eulenspiegel Puppets and new preforming artists including a Mariachi band.

To Celebrate the anniversary the College Hill Arts Festival will be holding two drawings for multiple $40 gift certificates.

June 15th 5pm: Drawing for fifteen $40 gift certificates

June 16th 12pm: Drawing for twenty-five $40 gift certificates

Local favorite La Calle Food Truck will be present along with many other local food vendors, and community clubs serving delicous foods.  Make a day out of heading up to the Hill and enjoy everything from a cup of Sidecar Coffee in the morning to all of the night life College Hill has to offer.

Check out the amazing selection of beers at our local bars such as Octopus, The Library, and Social House.  Want to rest your feet?  Take a break and grab something to eat in the newly rennovated Other Place or grab a smoothie to go at the NEW Smoothie Bar, The Shakery.

(Art Work by Gary Kelley)

For more information including all artists attending please head to the College Hill Arts Festival’s Website.

We hope to see you at the 40th Annual College Hill Arts Fesvial June 15th-16th.

Times for CHAF:

June 15th 12-8 pm

June 16th: 10-5 pm