Create Your Dreams During the 2020 Iowa City Area HBA Parade of Homes Aug. 1-9
A summer tradition continues in the annual Iowa City Area HBA Parade of Homes! The scattered-site showcase, presented by Hills Bank and Urban Acres Real Estate and put on by The Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association (HBA), is Aug. 1-9 in seven different cities. The event is a terrific opportunity for anyone looking to build, buy, remodel or simply discover the latest in home design. Trends on display include architecture, colors, smart technology, energy efficiency, interior design, floor plans, building materials and appliances.
The schedule for the 53rd Parade of Homes for new-construction homes, located in Coralville, Iowa City, Kalona, North Liberty, Solon and Tiffin, is:
Aug. 1: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Aug. 2: Noon – 5 p.m.
Aug. 4: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Aug. 6: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Aug. 8: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Aug. 9: Noon – 5 p.m.
The 23rd Remodelers Parade highlights large and small renovations in Iowa City and Swisher. Projects are whole-house, outbuilding, main floor, kitchen, exterior, multi-level/patio or three-season room remodels. Its schedule is:
Aug. 1: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Aug. 2: Noon – 5 p.m.
“We’re so pleased to be holding the 2020 Iowa City Area HBA Parade of Homes, featuring beautiful new and remodeled homes,” said Iowa City Area Parade of Homes Chair Mitchell Manning of Sobaski Abbey Carpet & Floor.
Enter to Win
Tickets good for all days cost $10 and can be purchased at the Iowa City Area HBA (11 S. Gilbert, Iowa City) and each parade home. Every purchaser may complete an entry form for a chance to win $500 toward an Iowa City Area HBA business of their choice. Forms may be printed from the parade website iowacityhomes.thegazette.com and completed prior to arriving at the first house.
“Homes on the parade this year differ in how they’re available to view,” said Manning. “Some are virtual-tour only, others just the first weekend and the rest available to physically visit throughout the parade. All homes will eventually be available on the virtual tour.”
Virtual Tour and New App
The jaw-dropping, 360-degree virtual tour is new and lets guests view houses from the comfort of their couch beginning mid-August until the 2021 parade. Also new is the ParadeSmart mobile-only app that enables parade visitors to more easily find where they’re going and information they’re seeking. It’s available via Google Play, the App store or by scanning the QR code on the Parade of Homes magazine cover – available Sunday, July 26 in the Cedar Rapids Gazette and at various businesses throughout the metro area. Once downloaded, choose Parade: Iowa City Area HBA Parade of Homes.
Fresh features include the ability to select homes and create a custom map; driving directions; marking houses visited; filtering for select criteria, such as city and price; and an inspiration section for notes, photos and ideas. The virtual tour may be accessed with the app by tapping on a home.
The app and virtual tour complement the website and traditional comprehensive magazine that offers a fold-out map of all homes, builder details, subcontractors used and more. Articles about building trends, kitchen design, working with realtors and other topics round out the publication.
Check Before You Go and Vote
“Parade goers should check the app and website to learn updated home availability before heading out,” said Manning. “All three resources also list guidelines in place for in-person touring, such as masks required and keep your distance inside the homes.”
Patrons may still vote for the People’s Choice categories of interior design, kitchen, landscaping, master bathroom and overall within the ParadeSmart app. The overall winner will be featured on the 2021 Parade of Homes magazine and poster.
Numerous builders, subcontractors and material suppliers are featured in the homes, which have a wide range of prices. Besides touring the homes, ticket holders have the chance to speak with builders, designers, contractors, realtors and others involved in many aspects of the home-building industry.
Poker Run This Year
Replacing the traditional Parade of Homes bicycle tour this year is a Poker Run, put on by the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post #460. The event is Saturday, Aug. 1 – the parade’s opening day. Parade enthusiasts age 21 or older are invited to make the run via motorcycle, bicycle, four wheels or two feet. Entry fee is $20 with all money going to the Coralville Food Pantry and Iowa City’s CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank (formerly The Crisis Center).
Riders will meet at McGrath Hawkeye Harley-Davidson (120 Westcor Drive, Coralville) between 9 and 10 a.m. to receive a Poker Run sheet and special parade ticket, while enjoying donuts, juice and coffee on the patio. Kickstands go up at 10 a.m., rain or shine. Each house has a different playing card. When the parade concludes at 5 p.m., players will head to the Solon American Legion (222 E. Main Street) to check their hands and learn who won. Preregistration is encouraged. Email karyl@hbaofic.org by July 27.
Thank You, Sponsors
Additional 2020 Iowa City Area HBA Parade of Homes sponsors are ABC Supply Co., Alexander Lumber, CBI Bank & Trust, MidAmerican Energy, Sobaski Abbey Carpet & Floor and Vetter’s Culligan. Other partners are Rapids Reproductions, Inc., Ad-Market Productions, the Cedar Rapids Gazette and Easton Design.
