Since the downtown Iowa City U.S. Bank drive-through was demolished in 2021, 21 S. Linn St. has sat vacant. Rather than fading into the backdrop, however, the barren lot jumps out at passers-by, its stillness contrasted by the vibrant lights from AlleyCat, The Englert Theatre, and the bustling restaurant windows surrounding it.
However, the lot is not destined to remain empty for long. After submitting a request for redevelopment proposals in September 2024, the Iowa City City Council is now determining what the future holds for the space.
One vision for the site is the Stories Project, an immersive and visually diverse museum celebrating storytelling, the written word, and Iowa City’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature.
“Storytelling in the written word is an endangered species right now. Even though people take in stories perhaps more than ever, they spend fewer hours actually reading. The museum’s mission is to engage people and inspire them,” Stories Project Executive Director Brent Stinski said.
The council is currently reviewing proposals from three Iowa-based companies — Grand Rail Development, Iceberg Development, and Salida Partners. Grand Rail and Salida both include the Stories Project as a flagship tenant in their proposals, which envision the museum as part of a larger, multi-use space.
The idea for a museum centered on storytelling was originally conceptualized in 2008 but was abandoned due to a lacking funds after the 2008 floods.
Although Stinski was not involved in the project’s genesis, watching the devastation of the floods on the Iowa City community and the evolution of the art industry as the community rebuilt played a key role in his decision to act.
“When the floods happened in 2008, Hancher Auditorium was destroyed. The Stanley Museum of Art was destroyed. It was a real low point for the arts in Iowa City,” Stinski said. “But as Iowa City rebuilt, The Englert got renovated, Hancher reopened, and we even expanded into new art projects like FilmScene. I was just astonished to see these successive waves of arts facilities expanding our arts economy.”
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For the Stories Project, the goal is more than just filling an empty lot. It is about preserving and expanding upon the rich history of art and creativity already present in Iowa City. Simeon Talley, the project’s political relations and community outreach director, sees the project as a key to shaping Iowa City’s legacy.
“I moved here several years ago, but staying was a deliberate choice for me. What keeps me here is the opportunity to contribute to making Iowa City a more inclusive, attractive place,” Talley said. “We want this city to be an interesting, bright oasis of arts, creativity, and people.”
A review of the projected economic impacts of the project, prepared by Community Attributes Inc., estimates the Stories Project could generate $21.7 million annually if it meets anticipated attendance goals.
Geoff Fruin, Iowa City’s city manager, stressed the importance of choosing the right proposal for this prime location.
“[The council] is looking to identify which project complements what we have downtown already,” he said. “It’s not just about being successful on its own but about helping surrounding businesses thrive as well.”
Although a definitive date for the decision has not been set, the council will next discuss the matter on March 11.
Even if the Stories Project doesn’t come to fruition at 21 S. Linn St., Stinski remains optimistic.
“On the national stage, Iowa City was born to play this role,” Stinksi said. “We’re celebrating decades of writing programs, writers, and creativity that have shaped this city.”