“In the Meantime” is a new pilot program launched by the Iowa City Downtown District aimed at attracting fresh retail concepts to the area by providing a platform for businesses to explore the Iowa City market through a storefront shop on S Linn St.
Opening for select days and events beginning in April 2024, ICDD has taken over the 112 S Linn St. space to host businesses exploring downtown Iowa City with special events and pop-up shops. The program offers a unique opportunity for potential retailers, artists, and entrepreneurs to showcase their products, connect with customers, and test the market for those seeking brick-and-mortar locations. Positioned as a strategic investment in downtown’s future, “In the Meantime” underscores Iowa City’s commitment to fostering retail innovation and maintaining its status as a vibrant shopping destination.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
- Willow & Stock Workshop | Spring Floral Arrangements
- Wednesday, April 24th | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Owners Angela Barnett and Amber Neville will instruct 25 attendees, giving them tips and tricks on how to properly cut, store, and maintain their fresh flowers. Guests will walk away with a beautiful spring floral arrangement and vase filled with specially curated stems from the locally owned flower shop.
- Tura Lura Co. Workshop | Candle Pour Bar
- Wednesday, May 8th | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Join us for a relaxing and creative evening filled with hands-on candle pouring, custom scent creation, and interesting tidbits about fragrance oils, soy wax, and candle safety. This workshop will be led by Erika Christiansen, owner of Tura Lura Co. based out of West Branch, Iowa.
- Molly’s Cupcakes Workshop | Cake Decorating
- Wednesday, May 15th | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Whether you’re a skilled home baker, a seasoned professional, or simply a lover of sweets, please join us for a cake decorating class led by Molly’s Cupcakes! You’ll first be guided with a comprehensive tutorial on filling, frosting, and assembly before decorating your 6-inch cake. Choose between a few beginner designs or use your creativity to decorate your personalized masterpiece.
- r.s.v.p. Workshop | An Evening of Letter Writing Love
- Wednesday, May 29th | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- In this workshop you will have the opportunity to connect with a new penpal, as well as write those letters to family and friends that you’ve been meaning to send. You don’t need an occasion to send snail mail, unless the occasion is an evening spent with like-minded folks penning a note that could change a few somebodies’ days for the better!
- Ten Thousand Villages Workshop | Quilled Paper Craft
- Tuesday, June 4th | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Quilling is an old paper art form in which strips of paper are coiled, shaped into different shapes and glued. After learning the techniques, attendees can quill their desired shape which can be attached to a card of your choice – perhaps a Father’s Day card! These delicate and intricate creations will make for a gorgeous card that will look store-bought and high-end but will be hold a deeper sentiment that your loved one will appreciate. Attendees will also leave with a new quilling tool so you can continue with projects at home.
VENDOR & POP-UP
SCHEDULE
Stay tuned for a detailed rundown of pop-up vendors and fantastic shopping opportunities. Pop-ups may include outside vendors, local artists, ICDD businesses hosting special events, and additional shopping opportunities from our Dubuque Street retailers.
More will be announced soon!