Rare development opportunity just 2 miles north of downtown Iowa City and the University of Iowa! 25-acres M/L. This will include the 7 parcels of frontage (4 rentals, 2 vacant lots & 1 non habitable duplex. Great location with convenient access to campus, I-80, and all that Iowa City has to offer. The property features wooded terrain, residential zoning, and 4 existing multi-unit buildings that are currently rented that may provide interim use or, more likely, be removed as part of a future redevelopment plan. With its size, location, residential zoning, and proximity to major transportation routes, this property offers tremendous potential for a variety of development possibilities. Opportunities like this so close to downtown and the University of Iowa are hard to find! Lots/units will not be sold individually and only as one unit.
Shimek, located between Highway 6 and the Iowa River, is a residential and park-adjacent Iowa City neighborhood with wooded trails and a low-rise, campus-edge feel. The neighborhood’s energy concentrates around the Dubuque Street and Park Road corridor, where trailheads, local eateries, and everyday errands cluster in a compact strip. Housing leans toward mid-century ranches, split-levels, and smaller apartment buildings set along curving streets and mature trees. Hickory Hill Park frames the area with shaded paths and prairie edges. The Iowa River Corridor Trail adds a steady rhythm of walkers and cyclists. Nearby, The Mill and Big Grove Brewery act as familiar gathering spots for music, food, and conversation.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Interior features
Property is currently used for agricultural purposes
Suitable for residential use
Exterior features
25-acre parcel
Cleared and wooded vegetation
Irregular lot dimensions
County road frontage
Sidewalks and street lights in the community
Directions: East on Foster Rd; properties located on the north side of the road at BJaysville Ln
Home design
Unimproved land (residential possible use)
Other structures: Residence noted
Construction
Zoned residential
Utilities
Public water available
Electricity available
Sewer available
HOA & community
Association fee assessed annually
Other
Listing broker: Edge Realty Group
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
Sale and tax history for 25 Acres M/l on E Foster Rd
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
ICAARMLS #202605484
Sep 10, 2026
Listed
$3,500,000
As the MLS and public records start to fill up, we'll list the details here.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Beds
—
Baths
—
Stories
—
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
—
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
—
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
—
Year built
—
Style
Vacant Land
County
Johnson County
APN
see below
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Sep 10, 2026.
RS12
High Density Single-Family Residential Zone
The high density single-family residential zone RS-12 is intended to provide for development of single-family dwellings, duplexes and attached housing units at a higher density than in other single-family zones. Because this district represents a relatively high density for single-family development, dwellings should be in close proximity to all city services and facilities, especially parks, schools and recreational facilities. Special attention should be given to site design to ensure the development of quality neighborhoods. Nonresidential uses and structures permitted in this zone should be planned and designed to be compatible with the character, scale, and pattern of the residential development.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Housing-Single unit
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
2/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 105° expected this year, 15 days in 30 years
2/10 Wind Factor
Minor risk of severe winds over next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 2 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Iowa City, IA • 52245
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
29
13
38
20
57
35
64
45
73
52
82
64
85
69
81
64
80
58
69
48
50
35
35
21
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
Try the sun simulator tool to see how light moves across the property at different times of day and year.
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 25 Acres M/l on E Foster Rd
$3,505,134
$5,134 over list price of $3.50M
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $375K to $700K.