About The District

The Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street District was formed in May of 2009 to breathe economic life into a historic area of Cedar Rapids. Established by emigrants, the District had suffered economic decline for many years and was nearly destroyed by record flooding in 2008. Despite these hardships, courageous business owners and residents began the task of rebuilding.

Optimism is evident throughout our District. Construction is prevalent and new investments are announced regularly. The creative cultural community has embraced the District and their events bring new and return visitors who spread the word about our exciting improvements. We are confident that the consistent application of Main Street’s Four Point Approach will transform Czech Village/New Bohemia into Cedar Rapids desired location to live, work, and play.

From the Director’s Desk

Study: Main Street Iowa sees $1.1 billion in investments

Organization helped create 11,500 jobs and 3,800 net businesses in Iowa

from The Gazette 22 May 2013 | 6:30 am in B380

Since its inception in 1986, Main Street Iowa has helped create 11,500 jobs and 3,800 net businesses throughout the state, according to a recent economic impact study.

And these 3,800 businesses in turn have generated about $43 million in sales taxes for fiscal year 2012.

The study, conducted by Washington, D.C.-based consulting company PlaceEconomics and released through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), analyzed 26 year’s worth of data from Iowa’s 49 Main Street communities. Read More