Lure4.2017

“It’s very fun not to be constrained by size,” said
Ms. Petersen of their 16-foot ceilings and ample brick
walls that allow for large works of art.
Other than the occasional trains they say the place
is amazingly quiet. The only thing missing for these
urbanites is a grocery store within walking distance.
Smooth Transition
For Ednamae and Ken Fisher, their apartment in the
Iowa River Landing provides the perfect transition
from their north Coralville home to one they are
building in North Carolina. Mr. Fisher, CFO of University
of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, retires in July.
“It provides a bridge between our old house and
a new house. It has what we need and it’s easy to
maintain,” Mr. Fisher said.
The new, move-in ready unit was a big draw. Mr.
Fisher is also closer to work, and Mrs. Fisher has easy
access to shopping at Von Maur and other boutiques.
“The restaurants here are great. We like to people
watch, especially when we can sit outdoors,” Mrs.
Fisher said. “It’s a friendly, social environment here.”
They also enjoy the trails, although Mrs. Fisher often
walks with friends in their former neighborhood.
One of the difficulties was choosing furnishings to
fit. This meant that Mrs. Fisher’s grand piano went
to a friend’s house until their big move.
Another change was to their grocery shopping.
“We shop every day now, and that way, we don’t
have to bring big bags of groceries back upstairs,”
Mrs. Fisher said.
“We market shop, like in Europe or on the East
River in New York City,” Mr. Fisher added.
ABOVE: The Petersens love having large walls in
their loft condo for hanging vivid artwork.
Carefree Retiree
For Suzanne Lagina, downtown Iowa City has been
the perfect place to retire. She now lives close to
siblings in Cedar Rapids, and her Plaza Towers condo
is in proximity to almost everything she needs.
“I wanted to be able to walk to as many places as
possible,” she said.
When moving from Chapel Hill, Ms. Lagina considered
Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, but the density
of activities in Iowa City eventually won out.
“I volunteer at the hospitals, both of which are walkable
from downtown. I like the whole atmosphere and
having the market, gym, swimming pool, library and
Senior Center all so close. It is the perfect location.”
One of the challenges was downsizing.
“It’s something you need a reason to do, but it’s
all good. It helps you see what you truly like and
need,” she said.
Ms. Lagina loves her views of the city, the Ped
Mall and spectacular sunsets. And she can always
find something to do, from FilmScene to the city’s
annual jazz and arts festivals.
“It’s a constant feeling of excitement and being
alive,” she said. “I didn’t know a soul when I moved
here. Being able to have all of these places to go and
develop new friendships and groups, like the tennis
team and dancing team, the people at church and the
volunteer activities — they helped me develop lots of
new friends with similar and different backgrounds.” |
8 LUREOF THE CITY