The 1990s witnessed the beginning of a transformation of Council Bluffs from a historic, Missouri River, railroad town to a dynamic, new tourism destination. In just one decade, the city has not only become a popular place to visit - it has evolved into a great place to live.

Council Bluffs enters the 21st century as a stronger city, well positioned for prosperity and future growth. That's due in large part to efficient city government and an effective planning process that has inspired the people of Council Bluffs through effective community engagement. Recent Developments

Mid-America Recreation & Convention Complex

A proactive public/private partnership has secured Council Bluffs' place as a major force in the tourism industry. The $75 million complex, a 9,200 seat, multi-purpose arena and a convention center/exposition hall with 100,000 square feet of usable space is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2002.

An additional $75 million in associated development, including several hotels, restaurants, a water theme park and other entertainment venues, will also be built on the site, located at the junction of Interstates 80 and 29. The complex is expected to draw more than 1.5 million visitors and generate $387 million in economic impact during the first three years.

Southwest Iowa Performing Arts Center

The $9.5 million Southwest Iowa Performing Arts Center raised the curtain on its inaugural season with Broadway caliber shows in September 2001. Located on the campus of Iowa Western Community College, it is among four top venues the city can offer for big-name entertainment.

Serving the cultural needs of the region, its main theater, with a capacity of 700 people, was constructed using the latest in theater design, state-of-the-art lighting and electrical sound system. The theater's black box is flexible for uses such as dinner theaters and art shows. Future plans include an outdoor amphitheater.

Community Improvement

Over the past 10 years, Council Bluffs has invested more than $155 million in public improvements, including development of a $13 million master bikeway/pedestrian system, the $10 million Council Bluffs Recreation Complex - among the best in the nation - and the $10 million Streetscape project, which incorporates the city's rich historic past into its downtown scheme with mosaic tile and brickwork, old-fashioned lamp posts, clock tower, flower beds and fountains.

Future plans include enhancing the city's entrance corridors, hundreds of millions of dollars in transportation projects, $22 million in improvements for the Council Bluffs Airport, a $3.4 million aviation training facility and a $2.1 million club house for Dodge Riverside Golf Club.

Riverfront Development

Plans are underway for One Renaissance Center, a $50 million, river-front development project that would include a recreational venue and restaurant along the Missouri River, upscale condominiums, apartments and townhouses. Other projects include a $22 million Missouri River pedestrian bridge, linking Council Bluffs and Omaha, and riverfront hiking and biking trails.

Council Bluffs Senior Center

For seniors who want to stay forever young, the Council Bluffs Senior Center will build a new, $4.5 million center.

The new facility, funded by public and private donations, will provide a holistic approach to maintaining the mind, body and spirit. Services will include an exercise pool with locker and shower facilities for rehabilitation, health and fitness programs; nutritional programs with kitchen; social outlets, essential to maintaining seniors as active members of the community, intergenerational programs, classes, internships with local colleges in physical therapy and gerontology, meeting rooms, auditorium and increased volunteer opportunities.

Council Bluffs Library

Council Bluffs' new library, built in 1998 at a cost of $12.5 million, replaced the city's historic Carnegie Library, established in 1904. The two-level structure spans a total of 67,500 square feet and features Prairie School architecture with Mission School, Arts and Crafts and Native American influences.

The library contains more than 146,000 books and resource materials, an ICN classroom, meeting rooms, Internet lab, special collections/preservation suite, youth multi-purpose activities room and Friends of the Library store.

Lewis Central High School

The Lewis Central School District, one of two public school districts serving the community of Council Bluffs, completed the construction of a new high school at the corner of Highways 92 and 275. The state-of-the-art facility opened this school year.

Alegent Health/Southwest

Iowa Medical Center

Alegent Health/Southwest Iowa Medical Center has just completed the first phase of a $22 million renovation and expansion project. The hospital's new Physician's Practice Building is currently under construction.

Jennie Edmundson Hospital

Jennie Edmundson recently broke ground for the upgrade, renovation and expansion of the hospital's primary structure. This $18 million project is expected to be completed by 2003. The project will include construction of 30,800 square feet of new space to enhance medical care.

Omaha Convention Center and Arena

Omaha voters approved the construction of a new $281 million convention center and arena in May 2000. The convention center will feature a total of 240,000 square feet of exhibition space, and the arena will seat up to 17,000. The facility is located on the north side of downtown Omaha, directly across the Missouri River from Council Bluffs and is scheduled to begin operations in 2003.

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