A Huge New 'Cedar Rapids' Sign Has Arrived Downtown [PHOTOS]

The next time you pass Mays Island in Downtown Cedar Rapids, you'll probably notice a brand new art installation! According to a new Facebook post from Downtown Cedar Rapids, the city has just unveiled a brand new sign that'll be tough to miss...

Downtown Cedar Rapids, Facebook

Where is it?

The huge new sign is located in the Plaza Park between the 2nd & 3rd Avenue bridges, across from both the Linn County Courthouse and the Veterans Memorial Building. The space is the connection between the heart of Downtown Cedar Rapids and the growing Kingston Village area.

Google Maps

Why Was it Built?

Just like any piece of artwork, the sign is meant to stand out and draw both visitors and residents to the Downtown area for photo ops. The Downtown Cedar Rapids Facebook post reads:

"The sign intends to reflect the spirit of our area while providing another place to create memories. Signage plays a powerful role in shaping a city, and we are proud to add this project to your Downtown experience."

Downtown Cedar Rapids, Facebook

While many Facebook users in the comments on the Downtown Cedar Rapids page thought the new sign was a cool addition to the area, there were some negative comments, too. Several of them were about wanting to use the money spent on the sign towards other things, like road construction and potholes. The Downtown Cedar Rapids Facebook page responded to the comments with this statement:

"... please remember that we are a separate entity to the federal, state, and local governments. The allocation of funds toward public infrastructure like roads is not in our control. As such, the ideation, construction, and future maintenance of the sculpture did not and will not eat into those funds."

As someone who works Downtown, I think the sign is a fun little addition to the area. I know my friends and family from out of state will probably want to take photos in front of it the next time they visit. And, I bet it will be a popular photo spot during the upcoming Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, too!

Where to Eat if You're Going to a Concert in Downtown Cedar Rapids

The next time you're headed to a concert in Downtown Cedar Rapids, leave a little earlier so you can enjoy one of the awesome local restaurants nearby! Here are the places with seating that are within walking distance of the Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena, Theatre Cedar Rapids, and the Paramount Theatre (restaurants near the McGrath Amphitheatre are at the end):

Gallery Credit: Courtlin