Of the three self-supported municipal improvement districts (or SSMIDs, as we often refer to them) in Cedar Rapids, the MedQuarter was the second to be formed. The Downtown SSMID was formed in 1986 and the Czech Village/New Bohemia SSMID in 2015. The Cedar Rapids City Council officially approved the establishment of the Medical SSMID in September 2011.
The MedQuarter Regional Medical District is celebrating its eighth anniversary with the final event in their Summer in the Q event series on Thursday, September 19 with the Celebr8tory Lunch in the MedQ Park on 3rd at 800 3rd Avenue SE. Starting at 11 a.m., the District will give away 100 free lunches, packed in a reusable MedQ lunch bag. No registration required – lunches are first come, first served.
Looking back on the first eight years, there’s a lot to be proud of in the MedQ. Once established, the Medical SSMID Commission focused its time and resources on strategic planning and District awareness – which would lay the groundwork for their efforts. Major accomplishments to date include the approval and initiation of a Master Development Plan; taking a leadership role in the formation of a Comprehensive Signage and Wayfinding Plan for Cedar Rapids; renovation of 10th Street SE from 4th to 8th Avenues; and the approval of a Master Parkway Improvement Plan just last year. Find more district improvement and community development highlights and milestones below!
In the coming years the MedQuarter’s leaders will continue to pursue the Master Development Plan’s strategic initiatives through District improvement, seeking new opportunities for economic development, and implementing programs that enhance the amenities available for all who work in and visit the District. All three of the SSMID Districts in Cedar Rapids play a critical role in the vibrancy of our community. While each District is unique, the combined assets and continued improvement of Downtown, MedQuarter and Czech Village/New Bohemia make Cedar Rapids a great place to be.
