City Buys Land Near Kinnick Stadium, Plans to Create Green Space
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Iowa -- Long before there was a State of Iowa or an Iowa City, a pioneer family homesteaded more than 400 acres that included much of the land now used by the University of Iowa. That era finally ended Thursday, June 15, when the final 9.3 acres of the land near Kinnick Stadium sold to the city of University Heights, with Steffes Group conducting the auction.
The 9.3 acres of land near Kinnick Stadium – the last of a family farm homesteaded 140 years ago – will become a green space serving city residents in the neighborhood. The city offered the high bid of $480,000.
“Folks in the area seemed happy with the outcome, so it all works out for the best. We had a big crowd, and there was a loud cheer when the auction ended,” said Steffes Representative Tim Meyer. “We had several other bidders competing, but the city emerged on top.”
The land, located near Melrose and Sunset, will be purchased with money from a bond measure approved last month, Mayor From told local media. “It was overwhelming. Seventy-seven percent wanted the city to purchase this land,” she said.
