Salida Partners and Iceberg Development merge efforts for ACT property redevelopment

The Iowa City Council Work Session on March 11, 2025, featured a significant discussion regarding the redevelopment of the ACT property, a 400-acre site. Representatives from Salida Partners and Iceberg Development announced their decision to merge their proposals for the project, emphasizing the benefits this collaboration would bring to the community.

Steve Long from Salida Partners and Jim Bergman from Iceberg Development led the presentation, highlighting their respective strengths in community-focused development and affordable housing. Long noted that both teams recognized the potential for greater impact by combining their efforts rather than competing against each other. He stated, "We feel it's best for the community to merge the community benefit and the affordable housing benefit."

The partnership aims to integrate their architectural teams, which Long described as an unusual but positive step towards a unified vision for the redevelopment. The collaboration is intended to prioritize community needs, particularly in the area of affordable housing, which has been a focus for both developers.

As the meeting progressed, the developers expressed their enthusiasm for the project and their commitment to working together for the benefit of Iowa City residents. They indicated that further details would be shared in subsequent presentations, aiming to keep the community informed and engaged in the redevelopment process.

This merger marks a notable shift in the approach to the ACT property redevelopment, signaling a collaborative effort that could enhance the project's overall impact on the community. The council and public will be watching closely as the plans develop further.