Art Bloc, a 7-story mixed use building located along Waterloo’s downtown riverfront adjacent to the Phelps Youth Pavilion and SingleSpeed Brewing, is currently under construction. The impressive new structure will feature a lobby and parking along Cedar Street, offices and commercial retail uses on the amphitheater level, and 70 market-rate residential units on the upper floors. Prominent views of the Cedar River will be available from each dwelling.
The project is located on the former Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company site and near the former Waterloo Gas and Electric Light Company plant. Environmental concerns had relegated the desirable property to a long-term surface parking lot. A private developer initiated several investigations in 2017 designed to remove the negative stigma. IDNR issued a letter on August 28, 2018 deferring further assessment based on the limited extent and concentrations of contaminants documented thus paving the way for the investment. City officials anticipate the building will open in early 2020.
