Panther District

The University of Northern Iowa (“University” or “UNI” ) is soliciting qualifications and information for a Master Developer or Site-Specific Developer (“Developer”) to develop a transformational mixed-use “Destination District” on UNI campus land adjacent to the UNI-Dome/McLeod Center and Academic Campus. The project is envisioned to create an active campus and community destination, support and enhance the gameday and ‘everyday’ experience on the southwest portion of the campus and strengthen the connection between the campus, athletic facilities, the recently completed Cedar Falls High School campus and the emerging neighborhood to the west. The vision for the project includes a mixture of lodging, restaurant, mixed-use housing, potential campus  facility, retail and commercial services; all organized to create a pedestrian oriented experience. The vision also includes an amenity rich plaza/open space that will host events and game day activities.

The goal of this solicitation process is to engage a Master developer or development team to implement, finance, operate, and maintain these mixed-use assets through public -private partnership in which the Developer would ground lease the university-owned land.  Development Teams are invited to submit their proposals for the development of the site, including information on their development expertise, prior experience in successfully implementing comparable projects, proof of financial capacity, experience with ground lease projects and a creative vision for implementing the project.