Phase 1: Hawkeye Center

Even after a fire destroyed the historic Hawkeye Building in the summer of 2008—taking with it a Hallmark store and a popular clothier. Even as a recession struck the country the following year—Orange City’s retail sector continues to press on.

Residents voted to restore the landmark corner on main street by voting on a general obligation bond to build an even more spectacular structure with the hopes of once again having a Hallmark store anchoring this important corner of main street Orange City.

The new Hawkeye Center has risen from the ashes as one part of the visionary Phoenix Project. Scheduled to be complete mid-summer 2011, it offers an outstanding, premier retail opportunity in a thriving business climate in a “destination” community in northwest Iowa.

This beautiful, two-story brick structure with Dutch-themed architecture to enhance and complement Orange City’s “Dutch Village” is located on the corner of Central Ave and 1st St. The upper level of Hawkeye Center features five high-end residential loft condominiums, with underground parking for tenants, and the main street level features Evie’s Hallmark Store with an ice cream and coffee shoppe.

If you are interested in viewing or purchasing a condo, contact any local realtor.

Phase 2: Event Center

Prairie Winds Event Center, designed by Cannon Moss Brygger Architects of Sioux City, is designed to be a true destination facility. Located on Highway 10 East, the 17,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility features authentic old-world Dutch architecture on the exterior, and a unique Northern Plains style/decor with beautiful wood beams, stone columns, and original artwork throughout. The two-story building will accommodate nearly 400 guests in banquet-style seating and many more for other events. A stunning outdoor celebration area adjacent to the pond and walking trail will accommodate another 200 guests.

The project was awarded in May 2011 to Schelling Construction of Sioux Center, Iowa, with a bid of $3,337,134. This brings the total project cost to approximately $4.6 million, including site preparation, pond re-configuration and drainage, landscaping, and parking lots.

Opening in the June 2012.

For more information contact Maria Plueger, Event/Brand Manager, at 712-707-6516 or events@orangecityiowa.com.

Phase 3: Performing Arts Center

The City of Orange City is partnering with Unity Christian High School to construct a 21,600 sq ft Performing Arts Center on their school campus. The City has committed $750,000 towards the new facility which will feature a 750 seat capacity that will host a number of entertainment events and the Tulip Festival’s annual musical production throughout the year. The City and Unity will form an Administrative Board to oversee the management and event scheduling responsibilities in cooperation with a joint oversight board.

Fore more information on the Unity Performing Arts Center or how to donate to the project, contact Wayne Dykstra, Principal, at 712-737-4114 or wdykstra@unitychristian.net.