Welcome to the Gibraltar Neighborhood Association website. We are so proud of our historic neighborhood, and our residents work hard to make it a great place to live! In fact, in 2016, we were awarded SECOND PLACE in the Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) National Competition under the "Social Revitalization" category, beating other neighborhoods from around the country! (Learn more about NUSA at www.nusa.org). Watch our conference presentation on what we accomplished in 2016 by clicking on the video link, below.

The Gibraltar Neighborhood Association (GNA) encompasses a large number of homes and businesses in an area east of the Council Bluffs public library. Our approximate boundaries are from the top of 5th Avenue west to 4th Street, and from 9th Avenue on the south edge all the way north to St. Peter's church! (To see an actual map of the GNA boundaries and other Neighborhoods, click this cool interactive tool provided by the 712 Initiative!).

Our neighborhood also includes the Willow/Bluff/Third Street Historic District which is on the National Register of Historic Places. For a comprehensive description of the many historic homes in the district, click here. 

So, how did we get our name? One of the most striking formations of the Loess Hills used to stand at the southeast corner of 5th Avenue and 3rd Street. Standing at least 250 feet high, this large dirt formation was known as Gibraltar.  According to Silent Hills Speak, History of Council Bluffs by William E. Ramsey and Betty Dineed Shrier, "the tower cliffs of Gibraltar (likely named for the global landmark at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea) were an area fixture in the neighborhood for as long as early residents can remember." There are few photos of this formation prior to 1955, when the city removed the mound for housing expansion -- see below for one of the pics. Our Association logo was designed from these photos. 

Learn MORE about our great neighborhood by clicking on the video below -- it was our submission for the Neighborhoods, USA competition!

STAY IN TOUCH / KEEP INFORMED!
We promote events, share notifications, post pictures and MORE using our online channels (website + facebook + NextDoor.com), and also via email notices. Click here to learn more about the ways to keep in touch!
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MOVIE NIGHT & FOOD TRUCK - neighborhood gathering!!
Hey Gibraltar fam - this Saturday - Sept. 19 - the public library and 712 Initiative are hosting a *free* screening of the Goonies up at Kirn Park - showtime around 7:30 . We thought it would be a great idea to get together a touch earlier (6:30) for a social distancing neighborhood social. Bring a chair, your favorite beverage, AND there will be a local BBQ food truck will be on site for anyone who would like to purchase some grub!!! If you plan to stay for the movie - please be sure to RSVP (link is below) so they know how many folks to anticipate. There will be large chalk circles spaced out on the field and bleachers for families to enjoy the movie safely. SEE YOU THERE!
Link to RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/305558744102936

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FOOD DRIVE
With the abundance of business closings and layoffs, many folks are hurting right now. The Gibraltar Neighborhood is supporting the Public Food Pantry located at Our Savior's Lutheran Church by hosting weekly food drives. Simply box or bag up your donations of non-perishable items and drop them on your front porch on SUNDAY. Then call or text Steve Gorman at 712-310-9431. He'll swing by and pick up your donation (no contact needed!!) and will deliver to the Food Pantry on Monday. We thank you for helping those in need!
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Meetings & Socials: CANCELLED for now...
Out of an abundance of caution, GNA will not be hosting any meetings or gatherings. We will have more information in our next newsletter as details become available. During this strange new time for our community, please be good to one another and check in from time to time. If you or a neighbor you know needs a hand, please let us know. Be well, stay safe!
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Attend a Meeting!
​We need your input, suggestions and experience to make our neighborhood a clean, safe, wonderful place to live! Our business meetings are held in a variety of locations (people's homes, The Center, The American Legion, The Dodge House, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, etc.). We also have frequent SOCIAL meetings that are held in a variety of places (resident's homes, the park, a local watering hole, etc.), so watch for news on those!