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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COOKIES, COCOA, AND LUMINARIAS!
Hey Gibraltar Neighbors! Let's light up our neighborhood for the holidays with the glow of luminarias! We did this event a few years ago and it was really awesome. We have purchased a limited number of supplies and will be selling the assembled bags (including sand and a long-lasting, battery-operated flickering candle) for only $1.00 each. Order your bags ahead of time to make sure you get some! Check the "Latest News" page of this website for addt'l details and info. AND...
SUNDAY AFTERNOON, DECEMEBER 13th from 1:00 to 4:00 --  We'll gather outside at 241 5th Avenue for cocoa, cookies and holiday tunes and you can pick up or purchase luminarias (if supplies still remain to allow for on-site purchase). We'll also be happy to DELIVER your luminarias if you want. 
We look forward to safely gathering with you on Dec. 13th!!
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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!