Locate Here

Discover the perfect spot for your business in the heart of Downtown Iowa City. From our vibrant community to the walkable Pedestrian Mall and a thriving mix of arts, local shops, and restaurants, Downtown Iowa City is full of possibilities.

Plant your roots in a dynamic hub where culture, creativity, and commerce come together.

Broker Toolkit
Why Do Business in Iowa City
A picture of downtown Iowa City at dusk with the sunset in the background and the road leading up to the Old Capitol Building

Downtown Composition & Urban Framework

  • Over 110 Restaurants and Bars
  • 50+ Retailers
  • 20 Entertainment & Cultural Venues
  • 120 Professional, Health & Well-Being

Households & Workforce

  • $61K Avg. HH Income
  • 26% of HH earn over $100K
  • 40% have a BA or higher education
  • 24K employees within 1 mile of downtown; 79K in the City of Iowa City

Visitor Market

  • 1M annual visitors to the Downtown District
  • 6 Hotels and 726 hotel rooms
  • 670K annual visits to the Iowa City Public Library
  • 458M in visitor spending County-wide

For brokers, developers, entrepreneurs, and prospective companies considering Iowa City, there are many reasons to choose downtown

Four Iowa Hawkeye bicyclists standing in front of the Iowa Hawkeyes sign in front of the Old Capitol building in Downtown Iowa City.

Proximity to the University of Iowa

Downtown serves as the living room to the University of Iowa, creating a seamless connection between the campus and the broader community. This proximity brings students, faculty, and staff into direct interaction with local businesses, fostering a dynamic customer base and a reliable stream of economic activity. For businesses, this relationship ensures a steady flow of 32,000 students and 30,000+ employees, faculty, and staff, as patrons, particularly for restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

Additionally, the active downtown environment helps attract and retain talented employees and faculty, who benefit from the accessible amenities intermingled with the UI main campus. 

Economic Stability and Growth Potential

Iowa City’s economy is supported by stable industries like education, healthcare, and government. The region maintains a low unemployment rate of 2.4%. This stability translates to a more consistent customer base and the potential for steady business growth. Recent investments and developments both from the private and public sectors in and around downtown have created a dynamic environment for new and expanding businesses.

These factors combine to make Iowa City and its central business district an appealing place for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to establish or grow their ventures.

A sprawling photograph of Downtown Iowa City Buildings and businesses.
Shoppers walking on the sidewalks of downtown Iowa City businesses in the fall season.

Walkability and Accessibility

Every day, thousands of people gather in downtown Iowa City, with foot traffic flourishing in vibrant areas like the Pedestrian Mall and nearby cultural and commercial hotspots. Named the “Most Walkable City in Iowa”- Downtown’s urban layout has a Walk Score of 93 and is classified as a “Biker’s Paradise”. The walkable design of the downtown core ensures unmatched ease and accessibility, making it a prime location for employees, businesses, and visitors alike. Residents, commuters, and tourists benefit from Iowa City’s free transit system, featuring an extensive bus network and bike-friendly pathways that link downtown to surrounding neighborhoods. 

Supportive Business Environment and Resources

Downtown fosters a unique, collaborative environment where small businesses work together and provide mutual support. Local entrepreneurs often form close-knit networks, sharing resources, advice, and referrals, creating a strong sense of community. This culture of cooperation is reinforced by the Iowa City Downtown District’s programs, grants, and forums, which help businesses grow while encouraging cross-promotion and collaboration. Home to Greater Iowa City’s MERGE co-working offices and Business Resource Center offering affordable office space, professional development, and networking opportunities. With a focus on collaboration and shared success, downtown businesses create an ecosystem where everyone thrives together. 

Shoppers standing at a counter near a store clerk at a Downtown Iowa City Business.
Picture of a Downtown Iowa City Live Concert in progress.

Cultural Capital and Quality of Life

Iowa City is known for its cultural richness and community engagement, earning recognition as a UNESCO City of Literature. Downtown serves as the heart of this vibrancy, and it is designated as a Cultural and Entertainment District by the State of Iowa. It features an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, live music, movie theaters, entertainment venues, and events that draw people in and keep them engaged.

This rich culture, combined with a high quality of life, encourages both locals and visitors to explore and spend time—and money—in the downtown area.

Map of Downtown Iowa City Businesses in the district.

Explore Our Neighborhoods

The Iowa City Downtown District is the vibrant hub of the University of Iowa, where historic charm meets a bustling mix of shops, dining spots, and cultural venues. Home to Downtown and the Northside neighborhoods, each offers distinct atmospheres: Downtown is lively and dynamic, blending student energy with local creativity, while the Northside is steeped in historic appeal with a relaxed, refined vibe, showcasing iconic businesses and a close-knit community feel. Both areas together create a unique cultural and social landscape that defines Iowa City’s urban charm. 

Northside Marketplace
Downtown

Iowa City Downtown District Business Inventory

Familiarize yourself with the ICDD’s robust inventory of existing businesses and open opportunities. Click on each dot to access the business name, address, type of establishment, or broker contact, if available.

Ground Floor Leased Spaces

231

Vacant Spaces

13

Find Your Space

Explore Your Opportunity in Downtown Iowa City

Whether you’re an entrepreneur launching your first venture, a company eager to relocate to the heart of the city, or a business seeking expansion opportunities – Tell us about your business and the space requirements you have in mind, and we’ll work with you to find the perfect location among our available or future opportunities.

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Inspiring Spaces

Prairie Kitchen Store

"We have a solid community of successful business owners in Downtown Iowa City - there is always someone to call when you need support, advice, or a sounding board for new ideas. We're a community that stands together, and succeeds together!"

- Susan Felker, owner

Beno’s Flowers

"Downtown Iowa City has been an incredible place to own a business. The energy of the community and the support of local patrons make it a rewarding environment, and being surrounded by unique shops and restaurants has truly enhanced our growth. It’s a vibrant, welcoming area that fosters strong connections and loyal customers."

- Benito Ocampo Campos, owner

Revival

"Downtown Iowa City is an incredibly unique and thriving district within the Midwest. Our downtown beautifully intertwines with the University of Iowa while offering a tremendous and vibrant mix of curated retail stores, award-winning restaurants, cafes, breweries, art galleries, theaters, and community spaces. The area has a diverse mix of full-time residents and a constant flow of visitors, excited to experience what the greatest small city for the arts has to offer."

- Sheila Davisson, owner

Oasis Falafel

“Owning a business in downtown Iowa City for twenty years has been both challenging and rewarding. The vibrant community, comprising locals, students, and visitors, keeps the area lively year-round. The Iowa City Downtown District Group provides invaluable support, akin to having guiding parents, fostering the growth and success of businesses.”

- Naftaly Stramer, co-owner

Velvet Coat

“Downtown Iowa City's vibrancy comes from its diverse offerings - a rich arts and culture scene, innovative university, bustling restaurants and nightlife, and of course, thoughtful retail. People care about this space and bring their best to the table to collaborate and work together. The confluence of talent and a sense of community is unmistakable.”

- Michelle Galvin, owner

Slingshot Architecture

“We intentionally locate our studios in a street-facing storefront that isn’t ideal for retail as a way to help activate and engage the public realm. As urbanists, we love working in downtown Iowa City, where we can easily walk to a variety of great restaurants, coffee shops, City Hall, and the Public Library—making it convenient to meet with people without the need for a car. Having a street-level presence and witnessing the constant flow of pedestrians helps me feel more connected to our vibrant community.”

- Steve MIller, Director
Graphic Logo of Compass

Insights on Downtown

Stay informed with monthly data reports, development happenings, and business opportunities by subscribing to the Insights Report from the Iowa City Downtown District.

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319-354-0863 | info@downtowniowacity.com | 103 E College St. Suite 200, Iowa City, IA 52240

Data sources: Placer.ai, ESRI, City of Iowa City, ICDD 

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