Go Retire Psychiatrist

I just wanted to post an update about what’s going on with Iowa City’s Pagliai’s Pizza building, which is still for sale with the owner’s asking price of $5 million. I mentioned it in a previous post a couple of years ago because it was up for consideration as an historic landmark.

The building at 302 E. Bloomington St. in Iowa City, Iowa has been so designated in late May of 2024 according to recent story published on line in The Corridor Business Journal, written by reporter Annie Smith Barkalow and posted on the web June 3, 2024. The building used to house a dance hall, a grocery store, and a bohemian restaurant. It has been home for Pagliai’s Pizza since 1957. It’s a local favorite; Sena and I have enjoyed pizza there on several occasions.

The building has been in owner Gary Skarda’s family since 1878. It was built by Joseph Slezak, his great-great-grandfather. Skarda told the Daily Iowan that managing the building has gotten more difficult with age.

The owner had misgivings about designating the building a historic landmark as it might hurt its marketability. Nevertheless, the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission legally decided to recommend it for landmarking. The owner of the building is not the same person who now runs the pizza place—he signed a lease through 2030 and beyond if possible.