Waterloo — Population: 68,747
Waterloo has the excitement of a big city perfectly blended with the hospitality of a small town. There is something of interest for all ages from performing arts, museums, parks and trails to a wide array of dining and shopping opportunities. Downtown is located in the heart of the city and is the center of arts, entertainment and specialty shopping.
A major focal point, the Cedar River, divides downtown into two districts that are connected by a covered walkway spanning the river. Waterloo also has the unique distinction of having two historic Carnegie Library buildings, one on each side of the river. Downtown Waterloo is undergoing a major renaissance under the guidance of Main Street Waterloo, founded in 1996. Visit Waterloo!
Main Street Waterloo
329 East 4th Street
Waterloo, IA 50704-1256
phone: 319/291-2038
fax: 319/291-4298
email: mswaterlootpb@acesiowa.net
www.mainstreetwaterloo.org
Town History
Two covered wagons filled with the family of George and Mary Hanna stopped on the east bank of the Cedar River on July 18, 1845. A log cabin they built along the river became the first structure in what was to become Waterloo. In December 1851, Waterloo officially was named when the town was awarded a post office and a permanent title.
The story regarding the naming of Waterloo is a combination of fact, fancy and legend. Legend suggest that the first female settler remarked on the resemblance of the Cedar River's banks to the battleground of Napoleon's Waterloo, about which she had been reading. Another story is that the earlier settlers referred to the area as "Water-low" because it was one of the few fording places on the Cedar River.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
Downtown Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places:
- River Plaza Building, 10 W. 4th St.
- Carnegie Library Building, 626 Mulberry St.
- Russell Lamson Building, 209 W. 5th St.
- El Mecca Shrine Club, 716 Commercial St.
- Sycamore Street Market, 800 Sycamore St.
- Veteran's Memorial Hall, 104 W. 5th St.
- Snowden House, 306 Washington
- Rensselaer Russell House Museum, 520 W. 3rd St.
- Wellington Bed & Breakfast, 800 W. 4th St.
- Daisy Wilton Inn, 418 Walnut St.
Other Unique Properties:
- Grout Museum District - Encompasses the Grout Museum, historic Rensselaer Russell House Museum, Snowden House and Bluedorn Imaginarium.
- Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center - Northeast Iowa's regional convention facility named after the five brothers from Waterloo who perished together on the U.S.S. Juneau.
- Church Row - Located adjacent to downtown, Church Row features eight denominational churches clustered in one area.
- Young Arena - The city's large ice arena serves as a special events and family entertainment center.
Annual Events
- April - Pub Crawl
- April - Taste of Waterloo- A chance to taste the Cedar Valley's finest foods and beverages.
- April - 4th Street Cruise - Blast to the past with antique and custom vehicles cruisin' on Fourth Street. Food and music also are part of the fun.
- May to September - Friday-loo - Downtown after work celebration with live music, food and fun. Held on the third Friday.
- May to October - Farmers Market - Every Saturday morning area vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, flowers, plants, crafts and more.
- June to August - Noon Tunes- Enjoy a lunch-hour break with food and music on the second Friday of the month.
- July - Fireworks Festival - Live music, food and beverages seem to have a special quality under the sparkle of holiday fireworks.
- September - Grand Tour - A tour of downtown's recently renovated buildings and those in progress. Held every other year.
- October - Kids Costume Parade - Downtown Waterloo's Farmers Market and retailers invite youth for trick-or-treating the last Saturday of October.
- November - Lighted Christmas Parade - A kickoff for the holiday season with lighted parade, food, entertainment and wagon rides.
- November - Retail Holiday Open House - Holiday retail specials, refreshments and cheer are available at downtown Waterloo stores.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For further details on any of the following programs, contact Main Street Waterloo at 319/291-2038.
Downtown Improvement Loan Program - Loans based on facade's square footage. Interest rate is set at 5%, can amortize over seven years. Must include 50% match in additional improvements.
Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund - Program can help fill a financial "gap." Minimum loan $25,000, interest rate 75% of prime.
Low-Interest Loan Pool - Administered by local banks to finance exterior improvements. Minimum loan $5,000, maximum $100,000.
Tax Rebate Program - Property owners of a redeveloped or newly constructed building are eligible for an annual tax rebate. To qualify, the investment resulting from a project must increase the taxable valuation of the property by at least 10 percent and increase the annual tax by a minimum of $500.
Information about commercial property is available through Main Street Waterloo, 319/291-2038, or Cedar Valley Economic Development Corporation, 319/232-1156.
Local Links
Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau
Cedar Valley Economic Development Corporation
City of Waterloo
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