Lure4.2017
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“It’s very fun not to be constrained by size,” said<br />
Ms. Petersen of their 16-foot ceilings and ample brick<br />
walls that allow for large works of art.<br />
Other than the occasional trains they say the place<br />
is amazingly quiet. The only thing missing for these<br />
urbanites is a grocery store within walking distance.<br />
Smooth Transition<br />
For Ednamae and Ken Fisher, their apartment in the<br />
Iowa River Landing provides the perfect transition<br />
from their north Coralville home to one they are<br />
building in North Carolina. Mr. Fisher, CFO of University<br />
of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, retires in July.<br />
“It provides a bridge between our old house and<br />
a new house. It has what we need and it’s easy to<br />
maintain,” Mr. Fisher said.<br />
The new, move-in ready unit was a big draw. Mr.<br />
Fisher is also closer to work, and Mrs. Fisher has easy<br />
access to shopping at Von Maur and other boutiques.<br />
“The restaurants here are great. We like to people<br />
watch, especially when we can sit outdoors,” Mrs.<br />
Fisher said. “It’s a friendly, social environment here.”<br />
They also enjoy the trails, although Mrs. Fisher often<br />
walks with friends in their former neighborhood.<br />
One of the difficulties was choosing furnishings to<br />
fit. This meant that Mrs. Fisher’s grand piano went<br />
to a friend’s house until their big move.<br />
Another change was to their grocery shopping.<br />
“We shop every day now, and that way, we don’t<br />
have to bring big bags of groceries back upstairs,”<br />
Mrs. Fisher said.<br />
“We market shop, like in Europe or on the East<br />
River in New York City,” Mr. Fisher added.<br />
ABOVE: The Petersens love having large walls in<br />
their loft condo for hanging vivid artwork.<br />
Carefree Retiree<br />
For Suzanne Lagina, downtown Iowa City has been<br />
the perfect place to retire. She now lives close to<br />
siblings in Cedar Rapids, and her Plaza Towers condo<br />
is in proximity to almost everything she needs.<br />
“I wanted to be able to walk to as many places as<br />
possible,” she said.<br />
When moving from Chapel Hill, Ms. Lagina considered<br />
Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, but the density<br />
of activities in Iowa City eventually won out.<br />
“I volunteer at the hospitals, both of which are walkable<br />
from downtown. I like the whole atmosphere and<br />
having the market, gym, swimming pool, library and<br />
Senior Center all so close. It is the perfect location.”<br />
One of the challenges was downsizing.<br />
“It’s something you need a reason to do, but it’s<br />
all good. It helps you see what you truly like and<br />
need,” she said.<br />
Ms. Lagina loves her views of the city, the Ped<br />
Mall and spectacular sunsets. And she can always<br />
find something to do, from FilmScene to the city’s<br />
annual jazz and arts festivals.<br />
“It’s a constant feeling of excitement and being<br />
alive,” she said. “I didn’t know a soul when I moved<br />
here. Being able to have all of these places to go and<br />
develop new friendships and groups, like the tennis<br />
team and dancing team, the people at church and the<br />
volunteer activities — they helped me develop lots of<br />
new friends with similar and different backgrounds.” |<br />
8 LUREOF THE CITY