Waterloo Lighting Projects Sparking Excitement

Downtown Waterloo will soon glimmer and glisten with color thanks to two lighting projects set to begin construction in September.   The Cedar River Lighting project and a refresh of the Expo Plaza lighting tower refresh will provide coordinated lighting displays for special observances and holidays.

The Expo Plaza towers will receive new, more vibrant and animated fixtures.  Installation of the fixtures will be completed with the volunteer services of twenty local IBEW electricians. Use of equipment is being donated by Paulson Electric.

Chuck Kacher, Business Manager for the IBEW Local 288 states, “As the Business Manager if IBEW Local 288 it is an honor to represent the members who are volunteering their time off to assist on the Cedar River Lighting Project.”

 Since July 17, 1902, IBEW Local 288 has a rich history of volunteerism in the community.  Members of IBEW Local 288 have volunteered their time, skill, expertise, and pride for community for many years.  Whether that is volunteering with the Boy Scouts Camp, Salvation Army bell ringing, Main Street Waterloo events, and providing all the power hook ups and support of Iowa Irish Fest since day one.

Kacher continues, “IBEW Local 288 has the ability to provide skilled craftsman for any job no matter the size and complexity because we believe in our training programs whether that is our registered apprenticeship programs or our journey level continuing education.  IBEW Local 288 is always looking for highly motivated individuals that are interested in a rewarding career in the electrical industry working for the best wages, benefits and safety standards in the community.

IBEW Local 288 and its members that are volunteering their time for this project are honored to show their skill and pride in community showcasing their skill in improving the community that they live and make a living.” 

“IBEW represents the highest standards of workmanship,” says Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart.  “I am grateful to Local 288 for their leadership in our community.  This project would not be possible without their support.”

The Cedar River Lightening project will begin placement of tower structures both ends of the 4th Street bridge.  The construction will require the closure of the 4th Street Bridge.

The towers are part of a larger design which includes colorful lights inside the pedestrian bridge as well as lights that will project onto the cascade of the river between 4th Street and Park Avenue.
 
“These new lighting features on the iconic 4th Street Pedestrian bridge, river lighting, and Expo Plaza combined with lighting at the RIverloop Amphitheatre and Waterloo Convention Center will illuminate downtown and Cedar River with a concert of lights, creating the ultimate light experience in the state,” adds Mayor Hart. “I can’t wait to ‘flip the switch’ and celebrate this attraction with our residents.”

Indiana based company Shakespeare Lighting Design LLC designed the lighting configuration with local company Ritland+Kuiper Landscape Architects as Lead Design Consultant and Landscape Architect for the project.

The Cedar River Lighting project is funded in part by the generous gifts of the Black Hawk County Gaming Association, MidAmerican Energy and the Waterloo Industrial Development Corporation (WDC).

 

The entire downtown lighting project will be complete sometime in October 2022.  An official lighting ceremony will be planned at that time.