Facebook's 10-year challenge has been all the rage lately which got us thinking... how have things changed in Cedar Rapids in recent years? The answer is a TON, and these pictures prove it.

We utilized Google Street View for all of these then and now pictures. First up, the incredible transformation of downtown. We begin with what was, in 2012, known as Green Square Park. In 2017, now known as Green Square, it's a centerpiece of the downtown area with the beautiful Cedar Rapids Public Library facing 4th Avenue.

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Where did the Alliant Energy tower go?! It's still where it always was but is no longer visible from this vantage point on 2nd Avenue thanks to the gorgeous new CRST headquarters.

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This may be the most drastic transformation of all. The west side of the Cedar River, along 1st Street. The photos are from the 3rd Avenue Bridge. The McGrath Amphitheatre and new downtown housing masterpieces were all built within the five-year window.

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Perhaps the biggest change of all in downtown Cedar Rapids has been the remodeling of the downtown hotel, now the Doubletree by Hilton, and the remodeling of the U.S. Cellular Center and addition of the convention complex.

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Remember when Cedar Rapids moved the National Czech and Slovak Museum to higher ground after being inundated by the 2008 flood? The move happened in 2011 and work was still continuing in 2012.

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As we all know, parts of Cedar Rapids are drastically different since that flood. That's very evident in these pictures from the 1600 block of Ellis Blvd NW.

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NewBo, led by NewBo City Market, is much different than it was eight years ago. Just look at the transformation.

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The Linn-Mar Community School District has continued its incredible growth over the last 10 years, including their amazing football stadium, which is at left in the 2016 photo below.

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The corner of Edgewood Road and 42nd Street is another that's seen major changes in the last ten years.

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One of the areas that has completely transformed over the last decade is the area around Westdale Mall. It's been a big 10-plus years for that area. I believe that was Big Lots on the right of the 2008 photo.

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If you want to see a particular location, even your house, here's how to do it on Google Maps.

  • Type in the address you're looking for.
  • Drag and drop the little orange guy into the street in front of the building.
  • Look in the upper left-hand corner of your screen. If you see a clock to the left of the words "Street View," you can click on it to see photos from that location in the past.

Enjoy your trip back in time!

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